26th July 2025 – 01st August 2025
LOCAL NEWS
No news reported.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
1. US and EU avoid trade war by agreeing on a 15% tariff deal
On 27 July 2025, the U.S. and the European Union reached a framework trade agreement, setting a 15% import tariff on most EU goods, while pharmaceuticals and metals are exempt. This move deescalates earlier threats of a 30% tariff and comes alongside the EU’s agreement with the US to invest $750 billion in U.S. energy products over the next three years. Meanwhile, the U.S. warned that countries not entering separate trade deals could face tariffs of 15–20%. In particular, the U.S. President Trump announced that he will impose a 25% tariff on Indian goods, along with an additional import tax due to India’s continued purchases of Russian oil and military equipment.
Last week, the U.S. reached a trade deal with Japan setting a 15% tariff. The U.S. and EU agreed on a 15% tariff rate for most EU products, along with hundreds of billions of dollars in EU investments in American industry.
Furthermore, the US President stated that the EU will invest $600 billion in the U.S. and purchase $750 billion of U.S. energy, with significant American weapons sales included. He also mentioned the EU would open its markets with zero tariffs.
The European Commission President, Ursula Von der Leyen, described the 15% tariff rate as “all inclusive,” however Trump later clarified it excludes pharmaceuticals and metals, though it applies to autos. In addition, Von der Leyen said the deal would help “rebalance” trade.
Although the deal signals closer U.S.–EU ties, experts caution it may be more political than strategic.
Related Articles:
Reuters 30/07 - Major developments in Trump's trade war
New Money 29/07 - Shipping at a crossroads: Opportunities and pitfalls from the US–EU agreement
Attachment 1: TradeWinds 27/07 - EU-America trade war averted as Europe vows to buy more US energy and arms
Safety4Sea 28/07 - US and EU avoid trade war by agreeing on a 15% tariff deal
Safety4Sea 31/07 - President Trump to impose 25% tariff on India
2. IMO III 11: Key outcomes
The IMO Sub-committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments (III) met in London from 21 – 25 July 2025 for its 11th session where various issues were discussed.
The Sub-Committee completed guidance on remote surveys, ISM audits and ISPS verifications and added Industrial Personnel (IP) Code items to the harmonized survey guidelines. It also considered marine safety investigation reports, identifying parametric rolling, fire safety in self-unloading bulk carriers and inflatable lifejackets for consideration.
Meeting Highlights:
- Finalized guidance on remote surveys, ISM Code audits and ISPS verifications;
- Reviewed lessons learned from accident reports;
- Finalized amendments to the survey guidelines under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC);
- Finalized amendments to procedures for Port State Control (PSC).
Remote surveys, ISM audits and ISPS verifications
Guidance on remote surveys, ISM audits and ISPS verifications were finalized, and the circular is expected to be approved by future sessions of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) and the Marine Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC).
Remote surveys
Portions of surveys may be carried out remotely, based on a risk assessment and the eligibility of the item for using remote methods. However, remote surveys cannot be performed for two consecutive years for the same survey items. In all cases, the survey plan needs to be approved by the flag administration. Remote surveys are not accepted for SOLAS safety certificates and the International Load Lines Certificate for passenger ships.
International Safety Management (ISM) Code audits
ISM Code shipboard audits cannot be fully replaced by remote audits, and physical attendance will always be needed under normal circumstances. Initial, renewal and interim company audits need physical attendance. Remote methods may be considered for annual audits and for interim audits when adding a new ship type to an existing Document of Compliance (DOC). The performance of remote audits will need approval from the flag administration, and the audit plan needs to be sent well in advance to the flag administration for review and approval.
International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code verifications
ISPS Code verifications can only under exceptional circumstances be carried out remotely, and only selected items are eligible for remote verification even in the exceptional circumstances. Lessons learned and safety issues identified from the analysis of marine safety investigation reports.
Furthermore, IMO III 11 reviewed and approved a circular containing 36 lessons learned from marine casualties. These will be published on the IMO website.
A total of 39 individual casualty reports were analysed, and the following major contributing factors were identified: management (22), risk assessment (19), safety culture (20) and training (12). III 11 considered that these factors can be addressed by the ongoing comprehensive revision of the guidelines on the implementation of the ISM Code.
III 11 finalized amendments to the “Procedures for Port State Control”. The revised consolidated PSC procedures, including amendments agreed at III 10 in 2024, are expected to be adopted at Assembly 34 in December 2025 and enter into force on 1 January 2026.
Guidelines for Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) on security aspects were added as a new Appendix 20. It clarifies roles and responsibilities between PSCOs and Duly Authorized Officers (DAOs) and adds new guidance to help PSCOs identify potential security concerns and escalate appropriately.
III 11 discussed the general issue of differing interpretations of mandatory provisions between flag states and port states. Regarding the specific matter of inspecting escape arrangements from machinery spaces, it was noted that
MSC 110 had encouraged PSC authorities to adopt a pragmatic approach, as outlined in MSC.1/Circ.1689, while the Committee continued to consider potential clarifications to the relevant technical regulations. III 11 reminded flag states and Recognized Organizations (ROs) of their obligation to issue certificates in accordance with paragraph 1.2.6 of the PSC procedures and emphasized to port states the importance of adhering to paragraph 1.2.5 when conducting PSC inspections.
III 11 also discussed inconsistent application of ISM Code-related deficiencies across PSC regimes, and the development of objective criteria to assess manning levels. No changes were made to the PSC procedures. III encourages regional PSC regimes to conduct internal reviews and training to improve consistency. It also emphasizes that flag states, not PSCOs, are responsible for determining minimum safe manning.
Updated survey guidelines under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC)
III 11 finalized updates to the “Survey Guidelines under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC)”, and the “Non-Exhaustive List of Obligations under Instruments Relevant to the IMO Instruments Implementation Code (III Code)”. Both documents are expected to be adopted at Assembly 34 in December 2025 and enter into force on 1 January 2026.
Related Articles:
IMO - Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments (III 11), 21-25 July 2025
Safety4Sea 28/07 - IMO III 11: Key outcomes
DNV 29/07 - IMO III 11: Finalized guidance on remote surveys, audits and verifications
3. Houthi threats of attacks on commercial ships, regardless of flag, that cooperate with Israel
On 28 July 2025, Yemen’s Houthi group has fleshed out a new policy of attacking any vessel owned by any company that calls at Israeli ports. Ιn an update of their doctrine, the rebels vowed to target “all ships belonging to any company that deals with the ports of the Israeli enemy, regardless of the nationality of the company, and in any location within the reach of our armed forces”.
Houthi action has slashed the amount of ship traffic through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal by more than half as most vessels prefer sailing around Africa instead to avoid the danger. However, it is strongly advised to consider alternative routes where possible, as this immediate danger to both crew and assets poses a serious risk to key global trade routes and is likely to drive up insurance premiums.
Related Articles:
Attachment 2: TradeWinds 28/07 - Houthis pledge to escalate attacks on shipping companies trading with Israel
Safety4Sea 28/07 - Houthis vow to escalate attacks on ships linked to Israel
4. London P&I Club: Incorrect storage and handling of ‘jumbo bags’ can lead to significant claims
On 30 July 2025, the London P&I Club informed shipowners, operators and charterers to address potential risks when loading Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs), or ‘jumbo bags’ containing dry chemicals. Failure to strictly comply with all relevant IMO regulations and guidance governing the storage and handling of jumbo bags could prejudice P&I cover.
The Club has been warning of this issue repeatedly over the past few years following a number of incidents reported across the industry. To help operators and wider industry to understand the risks, the Club has now developed a detailed case study of a fictional bulk carrier MV Calm Sea, which can be used as a training resource for identifying risks, liabilities and best practices.
The video can be viewed or downloaded from here.
Related Articles:
Safety4Sea 30/07 - Incorrect storage and handling of ‘jumbo bags’ can lead to significant claims
Maritime Executive 31/07 - London P&I Club Warns Industry Over Incorrect Loading of Jumbo Bags
5. Ukraine to launch remote SID processing for stranded seafarers
Ukraine is set to launch a pilot scheme allowing the remote processing of Seafarers’ Identity Documents (SID) for seafarers who are stranded abroad. As announced, for the first time, Ukrainian seafarers located abroad will be able to apply for or renew their national (Ukrainian) SID through a new remote center in Warsaw, Poland. This eliminates the need to return home for essential paperwork and removes bureaucratic obstacles that have long jeopardized employment and disrupted contracts.
The reform comes as many Ukrainian seafarers continue supporting global trade under pressure, often unable to return home and with limited access to government services. As stated, responsibility for issuing SIDs will shift from local port captains to the Maritime Administration.
Related Articles:
Safety4Sea 30/07 - Ukraine to launch remote SID processing for stranded seafarers
Splash247 29/07 - Stranded Ukrainian seafarers to get remote fix in paperwork overhaul
6. US TREASURY REPORT
The US Treasury Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 3: US Treasury Report for week 26/07/2025 – 01/08/2025
7. PIRACY REPORT
The Piracy Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 4: Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) Report, for the period between 02/07/2025 – 30/07/2025
Nothing important to report from Local News, ECSA, ILO and the House of Representatives.