21st June 2025 – 27th June 2025
LOCAL NEWS
No news reported.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
1. Theofilos Mozas elected as Chairman of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee for 2026
At the conclusion of the 110th Session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London (18–27 June 2025), the Committee unanimously elected Captain Theofilos Mozas of the Hellenic Coast Guard, Director of Navigation Safety at the Hellenic Coast Guard Headquarters, as its Chairman for 2026.
The IMO Maritime Safety Committee is responsible for all matters related to maritime safety as well as maritime security, covering both passenger ships and all types of cargo vessels. Its responsibilities include the updating of the SOLAS Convention and related codes, such as those covering dangerous goods, lifesaving appliances, and fire protection systems.
Related Articles:
Reporter 27/06 - Theofilos Mozas elected as Chairman of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee for 2026
2. New era for ship recycling as Hong Kong Convention enters into force
The Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships entered into force on 26 June 2025, establishing mandatory regulations to govern the way ships are recycled.
The Hong Kong Convention, developed under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), covers the following:
- design, construction, operation and preparation of ships to support safe and environmentally sound recycling;
- operation of ship recycling facilities; and
- appropriate enforcement mechanisms, including survey, authorization, certification, inspection and reporting requirements.
The Hong Kong Convention addresses key environmental, occupational health, and safety risks involved in the recycling of ships, while distributing responsibilities and obligations across relevant stakeholders - shipowners, ship building yards, ship recycling facilities, flag States, port States and recycling States.
Among other measures, the Convention:
- prohibits or restricts the installation or use of hazardous materials on ships, such as asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls, ozone-depleting substances, and anti-fouling compounds and systems containing organotin compounds or cybutryne;
- requires detailed inventories of hazardous materials;
- outlines requirements for ship recycling facility operations, including working conditions at ship recycling yards; and
- sets out robust mechanisms for certification, compliance and enforcement.
Related Articles:
Safety4Sea 26/06 - New era for ship recycling as Hong Kong Convention enters into force
BIMCO 25/06 - Ship recycling is about to change
3. International Day of the Seafarer 2025
On 25 June 2025, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) leads the global celebration of the Day of the Seafarer – a day designated by the United Nations to recognize the critical role seafarers play in global trade, security and the flow of essential goods.
This year, the theme #MyHarassmentFreeShip calls attention to the urgent need to eliminate bullying and harassment in the maritime industry and to foster a culture of dignity, safety, and inclusion onboard every vessel.
The campaign called on everyone to stand together to build a maritime industry where every seafarer feels protected, valued, and respected; and where every ship is a harassment-free ship.
The campaign seeks to:
- Raise awareness about the reality of harassment at sea;
- Promote proactive industry action to implement zero-tolerance policies;
- Encourage reporting and accountability through safe, accessible channels;
- Equip seafarers with the support and training needed to navigate and address incidents of harassment.
This year's campaign acknowledges that fostering a culture of respect must be a shared responsibility - among governments, shipping companies, maritime training institutions, and seafarers themselves.
The IMO is taking concrete steps to tackle harassment in the maritime workplace. Starting 1 January 2026, mandatory training on the prevention of harassment, including sexual assault and sexual harassment, will be required under the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Code. The amendments were adopted in 2024, marking a significant milestone in strengthening protections for seafarers and reflecting IMO's commitment to systemic change through policy reform and global cooperation.
Related Articles:
IMO 25/06 - International Day of the Seafarer 2025
Marine Link 25/06 - International Day of the Seafarer #MyHarassmentFreeShip
4. US TREASURY REPORT
The US Treasury Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 1: US Treasury Report for week 21/06/2025 – 27/06/2025
5. PIRACY REPORT
The Piracy Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 2: Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) Report, for the period between 28/05/2025 – 25/06/2025
Nothing important to report from Local News, the ILO and the House of Representatives.