4th October 2025 – 10th October 2025
LOCAL NEWS
1. Official Dinner hosted by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace – CUS President A. Hadjiyiannis’ Speech: “The West Risks Losing Its Peace Due to the Decarbonisation of Shipping”
On 5 October 2025, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, hosted a dinner in honour of the Members of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners (CUS) at the Presidential Palace, on the occasion of the “Maritime Cyprus 2025” Conference.
Among the distinguished attendees were, inter alia, the Secretary-General of the IMO, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Vassilis Kikilias, the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Mr. Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the former President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nicos Anastasiades and the Shipping Deputy Minister, Mrs. Marina Hadjimanolis, as well as ministers and senior officials from Qatar and Bahrain.
Also present were prominent members of the Cypriot shipping community, forming the backbone of the Cyprus Registry, including Mr. Andreas Hadjiyiannis, Mr. Polys V. Hajioannou, Mr. George Mouskas, Mr. Zacharias Zachariou, Mr. Kyriakos (Kikis) Mouskas, Mr. Antonis Mikellides, the Mylonas family and Mr. Nicolas V. Hajioannou.
Special mention should be made of the leading figures of Greek shipping, among them the distinguished shipowners Mr. George Procopiou, Mr. Thanassis Martinos, Dr. John Coustas, Mr. Stefanos Angelakos, Mr. Petros Pappas, Mrs. Semiramis Paliou, Mrs. Ioanna Procopiou, Mr. Harry Vafias and others.
During the official reception, Mr. Andreas Hadjiyiannis, who served as President of CUS for nine consecutive years and now holds the position of Vice President, delivered a powerful address on the pivotal role of shipping, the growing geoeconomic competition with China and the urgent need for Europe’s strategic self-sufficiency and resilience.
With deep historical insight, Mr. Hadjiyiannis spoke of the “miracle of shipping” that shaped the modern global economy, highlighting the risks arising from the concentration of shipbuilding in China and called on Europe to rebuild its industrial base before it is too late.
Referring to Sun Tzu, he remarked that “the supreme art of power is to impose one’s will without having to fight” – a phrase which, as he noted, perfectly captures modern Chinese strategy.
Mr. Hadjiyiannis warned that Europe has grown complacent within a fragile economic reality, built on debt, cheap imports and services. Instead of strengthening its industrial base, he said, Europe is becoming trapped in excessive decarbonisation policies that undermine its competitiveness.
“For an almost negligible environmental benefit, billions in taxes are being imposed on small and medium-sized European shipping companies, while China operates as one state – one industry – one shipping power,” he underlined.
Concluding his speech, Mr. Hadjiyiannis issued a call for the reconstruction of Europe’s shipbuilding and industrial ecosystem, proposing the creation of a Network of Allied Shipyards among free-market democracies, aimed at autonomy, fair competition and technological progress.
He further emphasised that the upcoming Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus in the Council of the European Union presents a critical opportunity to place shipping, competitiveness and industrial sovereignty at the centre of Europe’s strategic agenda.
His address concluded with a phrase that was met with warm and prolonged applause:
“The West won the Cold War. It cannot afford to lose peace. It still has the power. It still has shipping”.
Please find attached Mr. Hadjiyiannis speech as Attachment 1.
Related Articles:
Attachment 1:Mr. Andreas Hadjiyiannis Speech_05/10/2025_Dinner at the Presidential Palace
GOV Cy 05/10 - Πρόεδρος της Δημοκρατίας – Επίσημο δείπνο Κυπριακής Ένωσης Πλοιοκτητών
2. Cyprus Union of Shipowners’ Elective General Meeting 2025
The Elective General Meeting (EGM) of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners (CUS) was successfully held on Monday, 6 October 2025, at the Parklane Hotel in Limassol.
Mr. Polys V. Hajioannou was elected as the new President of the Union for a three-year term, succeeding Mr. Andreas Hadjiyiannis, who concluded his distinguished nine-year presidency with widespread recognition and appreciation for his valuable contribution to the Cypriot and international shipping community.
The EGM was held in the presence of the Shipping Deputy Minister, Mrs. Marina Hadjimanolis, senior officials of the Shipping Deputy Ministry and a number of shipowners, members of the Union.
During her address, Mrs. Hadjimanolis congratulated the newly elected Board and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to maintaining close and constructive cooperation with the shipping industry, recognising its pivotal role in Cyprus’s economy and international profile.
The new composition of the CUS Board of Directors (2025–2028) is as follows:
President
Mr. Polys V. Hajioannou
Vice Presidents
Mr. Andreas Hadjiyiannis
Mr. Anastasios David
Mr. George Mouskas
Mr. Haris Zachariou
Mrs. Nicole Mylonas
Mr. Nikolaos V. Hajioannou
Treasurer
Mr. Ninos Yiamakis
Members
Mr. Thanassis Martinos Mrs. Ioanna Procopiou
Mr. Harry Vafeias Dr. Ioannis Coustas
Mr. George Tsavliris Mr. Antonis Mikkellides
Capt. Eberhard Koch Dr. Nicholas Hadjiyiannis
Mr. Kyriakos (Kikis) Mouskas Mr. Mark Clerides
Mrs. Katerina Mylona Ms. Marina P. Hajioannou
Related Articles:
Attachment 2: ΔΕΛΤΙΟ ΤΥΠΟΥ - ΕΚΛΟΓΙΚΗ ΓΕΝΙΚΗ ΣΥΝΕΛΕΥΣΗ ΚΕΠ 6 ΟΚΤ 2025 - Gr
Attachment 3: PRESS RELEASE - CUS' Electoral General Meeting 6 Oct 2025 – Eng
Attachment 4: Photo – CUS EGM – 06/10
FastForward 07/10 – Polys V. Hajioannou Elected President of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners
MonoNews 07/10 – Ο Πόλυς Β. Χατζηιωάννου νέος πρόεδρος της Κυπριακής Ένωσης Πλοιοκτητών
New Money 08/10 – Ο Πόλυς Β. Χατζηιωάννου νέος Πρόεδρος της Κυπριακής Ένωσης Πλοιοκτητών (pics)
Cyprus Mail 08/10 – Polys Hajioannou elected new president of Cyprus Union of Shipowners
3. Maritime Cyprus 2025: Unlocking the Future of Shipping
The “Maritime Cyprus 2025” Conference took place from 6 to 8 October 2025 at the Parklane Spa & Resort in Limassol, under the central theme “Unlocking the Future of Shipping”.
The Conference brought together more than 1,000 participants, reaffirming its position as one of the world’s most significant international shipping events.
Prominent shipowners and industry leaders, including Mr. George Procopiou, Mr. Thanassis Martinos, Mr. Andreas Hadjiyiannis, Mr. George Mouskas, Mrs. Semiramis Paliou, Mr. Polys V. Hajioannou, Mr. Stephanos Angelakos, Mrs. Ioanna Procopiou, Mr. Aristides Pittas, Mr. Filippos Efstathiou and Mr. John A. Xylas , took part in the various discussion panels of the Conference.
The panels examined key issues such as environmental sustainability, the geopolitical importance of shipping, maritime finance and market dynamics, exploring how shipowners are navigating the challenges and opportunities posed by decarbonisation, regulation, and technological transformation.
This year’s edition was widely regarded as the most successful since the establishment of the Conference in 1989, earning praise for both the high calibre of its participants and the exceptional quality of its sessions. Much of this success is rightfully attributed to the effective leadership of the Shipping Deputy Minister, Ms. Marina Hadjimanolis, whose dedication and consistent efforts have further elevated the profile of Cyprus Shipping on the global stage.
During the opening day, the Cyprus Maritime Personality Award 2025 was presented to Dr. John Coustas, President and CEO of Danaos Shipping Company and Member of the Board of CUS, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to global shipping and his longstanding support of the Cyprus Ship Registry. The Cyprus Shipping Industry Award 2025 was awarded to MSC Shipmanagement Ltd. for its key role in expanding and strengthening Cyprus’s maritime cluster.
Related Articles:
Attachment 5: ΔΕΛΤΙΟ ΤΥΠΟΥ ΚΕΠ - ΝΑΥΤΙΛΙΑΚΗ ΚΥΠΡΟΣ 2025 – Gr
Attachment 6:PRESS RELEASE - MARITIME CYPRUS 2025 Conference – Eng
Attachment 7: Photo – Shipowners Panel
Attachment 8: Photo – Maritime Cyprus 2025 – Young Shipowners Panel
Cyprus Mail 07/10 - Future of shipping takes centre stage at record-breaking Maritime Cyprus 2025
Safety4Sea 07/10 - Maritime Cyprus 2025: Experts join forces to discuss the future of shipping
NewMoney 09/10 - Ο Ιωάννης Κούστας βραβεύτηκε από τον ΠτΔ της Κύπρου
Philenews 10/10 - Ναυτιλιακή Κύπρος 2025: Επιτυχία με μήνυμα για το μέλλον της ναυτιλίας
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
4. China hits back with additional port fees on US ships, sanctions and the imposition of broad export controls
Ahead of an expected meeting between President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Beijing is mounting a full-scale offensive on Washington with a string of actions affecting not only US but also Europe and the entire international trade.
A. PORT FEES ON US SHIPS
On Friday, 10th October 2025, the Chinese Transport Ministry announced that vessels owned or operated by U.S. firms and individuals - or those built in the United States or that fly the U.S. flag - will be charged additional port fees per voyage starting on the 14th October 2025, as counter-measure against upcoming U.S. port fees on Chinese ships.
The additional port fees will be imposed in accordance with the East Asian nation’s “Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on International Maritime Transport” and other laws, regulations, and basic principles of international law.
The ships that are to be subject to the collection of these tariffs are:
- vessels owned or operated by enterprises, other organizations or individuals of the United States;
- vessels owned or operated by enterprises or other organizations in which U.S. entities, other companies, or individuals directly or indirectly hold 25% or more of equity (voting rights or board seats);
- vessels built in the U.S.;
- and vessels flying the American flag.
The fees are planned to be charged per voyage and implemented in stages. The specific charging standards are as follows:
- from October 14, units berthing at Chinese ports will be charged 400 RMB (around $56.11) per net ton;
- starting April 17, 2026, vessels berthing at Chinese ports will be charged 640 RMB (approximately $89.78) per net ton;
- from April 17, 2027, vessels berthing at Chinese ports shall be charged 880 RMB (roughly $123.45) per net ton;
- from April 17, 2028, ships berthing at Chinese ports shall be charged 1,120 RMB (circa $157.12) per net ton.
It is understood that, if a ship calls at multiple ports in China during the same journey, the special port service fees are envisioned to be paid only at the first port of call, without being collected again at subsequent ports. For the same unit, no more than five voyages per year will allegedly be subject to the tariffs.
Also starting on the 14th October 2025, ships built in China - or operated or owned by Chinese entities - will need to pay a fee at their first port of call in the United States. Fees could top $1 million for a ship carrying more than 10,000 containers, and could rise annually through 2028, according to analyst estimates. Vessels owned or operated by a Chinese entity will face a flat fee of $80 per net tonnage per voyage to the U.S.
B. EXPORT CONTROLS
Furthermore, on Thursday 9th October 2025, the Chinese Government announced broad new export controls on rare-earth magnets and their raw materials on grounds of national security, drawing immediate criticism from the United States and the European Union over the surprise move.
Foreign companies now need the Chinese government's approval via a license to export products with even small amounts of rare earths and must explain their intended use.
The ministry announced similar restrictions on the export of lithium batteries and some forms of graphite, which are also essential components in the global tech supply chain and largely produced in China.
Beijing said the regulations are intended to "safeguard national security". One of the main targets of these controls appears to be overseas defence manufacturers, including those in the US, who rely on rare earths from China.
Chinese firms are also banned from working with foreign companies on rare earths without government permission.
According to a White House official, the White House and relevant U.S. agencies were closely assessing any impact from the new rules, which were announced without any notice and imposed in an apparent effort to exert control over the entire world’s technology supply chains.
The European Commission said it was unsettled by China’s sweeping new export controls on strategically critical rare earths on Thursday, as relations between Beijing and Brussels continue to deteriorate just days after the bloc announced steep levies on Chinese steel imports.
“We are concerned by this announcement,” Commission trade spokesperson Olof Gill told reporters. He added that the EU executive is currently examining the “details” of the new measures but that it “expects China to act as a reliable partner and to ensure stable, predictable access to critical raw materials”.
C. SANCTIONS
Finally, on Thursday, 9th October 2025, China sanctioned 14 US and Canadian companies and organizations Thursday on national security grounds.
Among the companies sanctioned by the the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) were the US-based Dedrone by Axon and Canada’s TechInsights Inc. and its subsidiaries.
The ministry added all of the companies to its "unreliable entity list," accusing them of actions that “seriously harmed China’s national sovereignty, security, and development interests.”
the ministry will prohibit the aforementioned entities from engaging in import and export activities related to China, prohibit the aforementioned entities from making new investments within China, and prohibit organizations and individuals within China from engaging in transactions, cooperation, or other activities with the aforementioned entities, particularly transmitting data or providing sensitive information to them.
A spokeperson of the Chinese Government stressed that China has always handled the unreliable entity list issues prudently, targeting only a very small number of foreign entities that endanger its national security.
"Law-abiding foreign entities have no cause for concern. The Chinese government, as always, welcomes enterprises from around the world to invest and operate in China and is committed to providing a stable, fair, and predictable business environment for compliant foreign-invested enterprises operating in China," said the spokesperson.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are expected to meet as they attend an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in South Korea at the end of October .
Related Articles:
Reuters 11/10 - China hits back at US ships with additional port fees
Offshore Energy 10/10 - In a high-stakes match, China moves its queen: US ships face fees
Reuters 10/10 - China expands rare earths restrictions, targets defense and chips users
Middle East Economy 10/10 - China to impose new charges on U.S. ships starting October 14
Politico 09/10 - China imposes broad new export controls ahead of Xi-Trump meet
5. MEPs demand a unified EU response to Russian violations, call for more effective sanctions on Russia, with the EU failing to adopt the 19th package of sanctions against Russia
In a resolution adopted on Thursday, 9th October 2025, MEPs strongly condemned Russia’s “reckless and escalatory actions” of violating the airspace of EU and NATO member states Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Romania.
MEPs called on the Council of the European Union and the European Commission to increase the effectiveness and impact of sanctions on Russia, to “definitively undermine” the country’s ability to continue waging its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine. The punitive measures should extend to all the states enabling Russia’s actions, such as Belarus, Iran and North Korea, with MEPs also advocating for sanctions against Chinese entities supplying dual-use goods and military items, essential for the manufacturing of drones and missiles.
The EU has been tightening the economic screws on Moscow through a series of sanctions packages since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. However, according to Bloomberg, the bloc’s 19th sanctions bundle has hit a snag, with Austria and Slovakia blocking the adoption of the 19th package of EU sanctions against Russia
Demands by Austria that the EU unfreeze assets linked to Russian tycoon Oleg Deripaska to compensate one of its banks left the country isolated at a meeting of EU ambassadors on the 8th October 2025, with no agreement reached.
In an interview with Bloomberg TV, EU sanctions envoy David O’Sullivan played down the latest sticking-point, pointing out that Austria isn’t the only problem. Slovakia has also raised issues with the package.
On the other hand, Hungary has dropped its resistance to liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports being included in the EU’s 19th package of sanctions against Russia. In the meeting of EU ambassadors on Wednesday on the 8th October 2025, Budapest raised no objections to the measure, having previously sought exemptions to it,
This is “the normal cut and thrust of European negotiations when you require unanimous agreement,” O’Sullivan said, predicting that the package will be passed within the next week to 10 days. That’s just in time for the Oct. 23-24 summit in Brussels.
The package, which also includes restrictions on the banking sector, will be discussed by EU foreign ministers on October 20 ahead of the EU summit.
Related Articles:
Euronews 09/10 - EU considers new plan to restrict movements of Russian diplomats
Bloomberg 09/10 - EU Effort to Toughen Russia Sanctions Stalls as Austria Digs In
6. UKTMO reports increased GNSS interference in the Middle East
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported a significant rise in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference incidents affecting vessels in Middle Eastern regions between October 3 and 7, 2025.
UKMTO said there was an increase in “AIS speed anomalies” focused Bandar-e-Pars, Strait of Hormuz and Port Sudan. There also consistent AIS speed irregularities noted throughout the Gulf, Port Sudan, and the Suez Canal areas.
The UKMTO repeated advice from the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) in May this year to vessels transiting the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz to continue vigilant watchstanding including recognising GNSS interference. It was also recommended not to rely on entirely on electronic navigation or autopilot.
Furthermore, it urged vessels to report issues. “All vessels operating within the UKMTO VRA who experience disruptions to electronic navigation systems such as GNSS, AIS, or, other Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) systems are strongly encouraged to note the locations and times of disruption. Photographs or videos of ships electronics or navigation system(s) (if impacted) are also requested, in reports to UKMTO as soon as is practicable.”
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Safety4Sea 07/10 - UKTMO: Increased GNSS interference in the Middle East
Seatrade 08/10 - Warning over rise of GPS interference in Middle East
7. BIMCO adopts annex addressing methanol bunkering
The Documentary Committee of BIMCO has adopted a Methanol Annex to its Bunker Terms 2018.
According to BIMCO, the annex is the latest addition to its portfolio of contracts and clauses that support the maritime industry’s transition towards alternative fuels and decarbonisation and introduces new definitions to reflect ongoing developments in the bunkering landscape.
Furthermore, it targets the increasing importance of sustainability certification which is intended to verify the source and environmental credentials of the fuel under regulations such as the FuelEU Maritime.
Nicholas Fell, Chairperson of BIMCO’s Documentary Committee stated that “The Methanol Annex has been developed in close consultation with industry stakeholders and technical experts to ensure that it meets the practical and legal requirements of methanol as a marine fuel.”
The annex enables parties to specify GHG intensity limits, fossil comparators and methodologies for calculating emissions via the Election Sheet. According to BIMCO, the flexible approach ensures that the annex can be adapted to future regulations and allow parties to agree and specify the parameters relevant to their particular contract.
Furthermore, the adopted Annex introduces safety measures, requiring closed or remote sounding procedures during methanol bunkering.
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BIMCO 09/10 - BIMCO adopts annex addressing methanol bunkering
Ship & Bunker - 09/10 - BIMCO Adds Methanol Annex to Standard Bunker Contract
Marine Link 09/10 - BIMCO Adopts Methanol Bunkering Annex
8. USTR Port Fees Payment Guidance
On the 3rd October 2025, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued the first guidance for the pending USTR Section 301 Vessel Fees related to Chinese-owned, operated, or built ships, warning operators that the fees are their responsibility and should be paid at least three days before arrival at their first U.S. port.
It was the first statement to provide clarification and a further indication that the U.S. is still preparing to implement the fees on the 14th October 2025.
According to the detailed Guidance, the responsibility for determining whether a vessel is subject to the Section 301 fee—and for ensuring payment—is placed squarely on the vessel operator, not U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Pursuant to the guidance, operators are strongly encouraged to pay the applicable fee before the vessel arrives at its first U.S. port. Without proof of payment, vessels may be denied permission to load or unload, or clearance may be withheld until payment is verified.
It is recommended by BIMCO that payment is initiated at least three business days prior to the vessel’s arrival in the United States.
All payments must be made electronically through the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s secure Pay.gov website. At present, according to BIMCO, payments on the Pay.gov portal may require a U.S. bank account.
Related Articles:
BIMCO 09/10 - USTR Section 301 Vessel Fees Update: Payment Guidance
The Maritime Executive 06/10 - US Warns Ships to Pay USTR Port Fees Before Arrival or Face Denials
CSMS Attachment - Section 301 Vessel Fees.pdf
9. EU plans to sanction firms using fake flags for Russian tankers
The European Union has proposed restrictions on three companies that allegedly provided fake flags to sanctioned oil tankers belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet, Bloomberg reports, citing reviewed documents.
The proposed measures are part of the latest EU sanctions package, currently under discussion among member states.
According to the documents, the firms issued false flags of Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten to at least eight vessels under sanctions.
None of the three territories are listed in the Paris MoU registry of official flags, meaning they are not authorized to provide such services.
According to Bloomberg, the EU aims to increase pressure on Russia’s shadow fleet and reduce Moscow’s oil revenues.
The package also includes sanctions on about 120 additional vessels and restrictions on several organizations in third countries that enable Russia’s energy trade.
Related Article:
Safety4Sea 07/10 - EU to sanction firms using fake flags for Russian tankers
10. European Environment Agency’s report on Europe's environment 2025
The European Environment Agency (EEA) recently published its state of the environment report. These reports are published every five years, as instructed by EEA’s founding regulation. The 2025 edition is a comprehensive document, which does not introduce any new initiatives or unexpected findings but may nonetheless be of interest to the Shipping Industry.
According to ECSA, the report asserts that:
- despite seeing some progress, maritime transport was responsible for 11.6% of the EU GHG emissions from transport in 2023 while aviation was responsible for 12.9%.
- transport emissions are expected to decrease by 14.3% by 2030 compared to 2022 levels.
- in 2023, Europe′s hydrogen production capacity was approximately 11.23 Mt, while hydrogen output was approximately 7.94 Mt with less than 1% of this production from clean technologies.
- Europe’s planned expansion of offshore wind should build on the implementation of maritime spatial planning to align climate and biodiversity policy goals.
- the high levels of plastics consumption and plastic waste generation are expected to continue to grow, while some progress was made on reducing microplastic pollution.
- initiatives such as the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) are vital for promoting deployment of clean technologies.
Related Article:
11. US TREASURY REPORT
The US Treasury Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
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Attachment 9: US Treasury Report for week 04/10/2025 – 10/10/2025
12. PIRACY REPORT
The Piracy Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
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Attachment 10: Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) Report, for the period between 10/09/2025 – 08/10/2025
Nothing important to report from ECSA, ILO and the House of Representatives.
