8th November 2025 –14th November 2025
LOCAL NEWS
1. CUS Members' Meeting held on 14th November 2025 – Discussion on next steps following the postponement of IMO's net-zero framework
On Friday, 14 November 2025, the Cyprus Union of Shipowners (CUS) convened a Members’ Meeting at the Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso in Vouliagmeni, Athens, to discuss the latest developments regarding the proposed zero-emission framework, the adoption of which has been postponed for one year.
During the meeting, the President, Mr. Polys V. Hajioannou, and the Vice President, Mr. Andreas Hadjiyiannis, delivered a comprehensive briefing on the issue, voicing serious concerns about political pressure to achieve zero-emission shipping by 2050, despite the lack of realistic, commercially viable zero-emission fuels or technologies. Members emphasized the risk that such policies could evolve into taxation-based mechanisms rather than genuine environmental solutions, ultimately placing a disproportionate burden on shipowners.
Participants further noted that certain flag States and major industry associations appear increasingly aligned with broader political agendas or financial dependencies, rather than promoting practical and economic realities of the shipping sector. This trend has raised concerns about the effectiveness of shipowner representation in key international posts.
Members highlighted that maritime regulation is now largely influenced by geopolitical interests and advocacy networks rather than technical feasibility. In this context, they underlined the urgent need for strong, coordinated, and pragmatic solutions to safeguard the future of the European shipping industry, a sector of strategic importance for both national economies and global trade.
The meeting also focused on identifying the next realistic steps the industry should take to decarbonise in light of the developments at IMO. Such gatherings enable CUS to collect members’ views and contribute to the formulation of a common proposal together with other major national shipowners’ unions representing the true stakeholders in tramp shipping.
Discussions centred on assessing the practical implications of IMO decisions and mapping feasible pathways for the sector to contribute meaningfully to decarbonisation while maintaining operational and financial sustainability.
Members stressed the importance of coordinated engagement at the international level to ensure that the interests and operational realities of tramp shipping are fully reflected in future regulatory frameworks.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to closely monitor the evolving IMO framework, to continue cooperation among members and aligned unions, and to develop a unified industry position based on technical feasibility, economic soundness, and shipping realities.
2. CUS to Participate in the “4th Limassol International Book Fair” on 21-23 November 2025, Limassol
The Cyprus Union of Shipowners will participate in the upcoming “4th Limassol International Book Fair” (LIBF), taking place from 21 to 23 November 2025 at the Carob Mills of Lanitis in Limassol.
As a Silver Sponsor of the event, CUS will have its own stand, representing the maritime sector and highlighting the Union’s role in Cyprus’ shipping industry.
The Fair programme will begin on Friday, 21 November, with the all-day "Limassol International Book Fair Conference 2025". This event provides an opportunity for publishers, booksellers, authors, librarians, and book professionals from Cyprus, together with participants from Greece, Europe, and the Arab world, to meet and discuss local, regional, and international challenges and opportunities in the sector. It is essential to mention that during the sessions, simultaneous interpretation from English to Greek and vise versa will be provided.
On Saturday, 22 November 2025, selected events will feature 36 speakers and panelists from Cyprus, Egypt, the UK, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, and Lebanon.
Among these events, journalist Mr. Christos Michalaros will interview CUS President, Mr. Polys Hajioannou, and Greek author, Mr. George Foustanos, in a session titled: “Cyprus and Shipping: From Past To Future”. The interview will take place from 14:00 to 15:00, on Stage 5.
A relevant advertisement of the interview is attached, and we encourage our Members and Associates to attend this unique live interview.
The Exhibition will conclude on Sunday, November 23.
For additional information about the event, please click here.
Related Articles:
Attachment 1: Interview by Mr. Polys Hajioannou and Mr. George Foustanos - “Cyprus and Shipping: From Past To Future”
4th Limassol International Book Fair, 21-23 November 2025, Carob Mill, Limassol
3. Marina Hadjimanolis: Shipping a top priority for Cyprus during 2026 EU Council term
Limassol will host a series of major maritime events during Cyprus’ EU Council Presidency in 2026, with shipping set as one of the government’s top priorities, according to Shipping Deputy Minister Ms. Marina Hadjimanolis.
In a November interview with Entrepreneurial Limassol, Ms. Hadjimanolis said that this year’s Maritime Cyprus conference “has now become an institution and one of the largest maritime conferences in the world”, adding that it “exceeded all expectations” in terms of turnout and the quality of panel discussions.
Hadjimanolis emphasized that the presence of shipowners, regulators, senior executives and international organisations, including the IMO Secretary-General and two EU Commissioners, demonstrated both the weight of the event and the broader support for Cypriot shipping, and explained that this support comes at a crucial moment. Shipping will feature prominently in the first half of 2026, when Cyprus holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU.
The Shipping Deputy Ministry will organise a number of high-level meetings, including the informal Council of EU ministers responsible for shipping in April in Nicosia.
At the same time, the Deputy Ministry of Shipping is planning to organize a high-level conference in Limassol with the same theme, while the events for the European Maritime Day in May 2026 will also be held in Limassol, within the framework of which a meeting of the directors of the maritime administrations of the EU member states will also take place.
Responding to a relevant question, Ms. Hadjimanolis stated that the strengthening of the Cyprus registry remains one of the primary objectives of the Cyprus Government and the Deputy Ministry of Shipping, noting that there is room for further development. “To this end, we have developed policies and proceeded with actions, such as the digitalization of the services of the Deputy Ministry of Shipping, in order to optimize the framework for serving shipping companies. At the same time, actions to promote the Cyprus registry continue through contacts with shipowners and shipping companies, participation in international conferences and exhibitions, as well as other targeted actions," she added.
Related Articles:
Cyprus Mail 14/11 - Shipping a top priority for Cyprus during 2026 EU Council term
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
4. EU-UK ETS link: Council's authorisation to open negotiations
On Thursday, 13th November 2025, the EU Council formally authorised the Commission to open negotiations with the UK to link the EU and the UK greenhouse emissions trading systems (ETS).
The authorization to begin negotiations follows the EU-UK summit in May 2025, resulting in a “Common Understanding” agreed between the European Commission and the UK, which included plans to work towards linking their respective carbon markets to enable carbon allowances issued by the EU or UK to be recognized as complying with the greenhouse gas emissions trading system of the other jurisdiction.
According to the position adopted by Council, the EU-UK agreement should comprehensively cover how the linked ETS systems operate, clearly define the sectors included - such as electricity and industrial heat generation, industry, and domestic and international aviation and maritime transport - and establish a process for adding additional sectors in the future to prevent carbon leakage and ensure fair competition.
"EU ministers agreed to approve the linking mandate, formal approval is expected on Nov. 17," a carbon trader active in the UK carbon market said.
Marie Bjerre, Minister for European affairs of Denmark, said she is hopeful that these negotiations will be finalized swiftly.
The alignment of the two compliance carbon markets would also create mutual exemptions from their respective carbon border taxes. However, the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism begins its definitive phase from Jan. 1, 2026, while the UK's CBAM starts a year later in 2027.
Following the adoption of the Council decision, the Commission is authorised to open negotiations with the UK on the agreements in question. Once negotiations are finalised, the agreements will have to be endorsed by the Council before they can enter into force.
Related Articles:
ESG Today 13/11 - EU to Begin Negotiations with UK to Link Carbon Markets
S&P Global 12/11 - EU Council greenlights UK carbon market linkage negotiations
Linklaters 10/11 - EU: Council reaches agreement on new 2035 and 2040 climate targets
5. EU lawmakers vote through weaker 2040 climate target
On Thursday, 13th November 2025, the European Parliament adopted a proposal for an amendment to the EU Climate Law, setting a new, intermediate and binding 2040 EU climate target of reducing net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 90% compared to 1990 levels, and is largely a copy-paste of the position endorsed by EU governments on the 5th November 2025.
The target is that the EU should reduce domestic emissions by 85 percent compared to 1990 levels and will be allowed to outsource the remaining 5 percentage points abroad by purchasing international carbon offsets.
According to the Press Release of the European Parliament, MEPs believe the green transition and improving EU competitiveness go hand in hand, therefore they agree with the Commission’s proposal to introduce new flexibilities in how these targets can be met.
MEP also want the possibility for domestic permanent carbon removals to be used to compensate for hard-to-abate emissions in the EU emissions trading system (EU ETS) as well as enhanced flexibility within and across sectors and instruments to achieve targets that are as cost effective as possible.
Lawmakers also rejected a proposal by the Patriots for Europe, a lawmaker group, to scrap the climate target completely.
The climate vote shows the EU is staying the course of its climate policy just as countries are meeting in Brazil for the COP30 climate summit, however, the final text is considered a bitter pill to swallow for those MEPs who pushed for the EU to set a more ambitious goal.
The European Parliament is now ready to start negotiations with member states on the final shape of the law.
Related Articles:
Politico 13/11 - EU lawmakers vote through weaker 2040 climate target
Reuters 13/11 - EU Parliament backs new 2040 climate target
DW 13/11 - European Parliament backs diluted 2040 climate targets
GreenPeace 13/11 - EU Parliament backs governments’ botched climate target
Capital.gr 13/11 - Ευρωκοινοβούλιο: Η Κεντροδεξιά συμμάχησε με τα "σκληρά" δεξιά ρεύματα
6. Brazil's COP30 climate summit - IMO Sec-Gen advocates for a green shipping future
The COP30 climate summit opened on Monday, 10th November 2025, with the U.N. climate chief Simon Stiell urging countries to cooperate rather than battle over priorities.
A new U.N. analysis of countries' emissions-cutting plans, which takes into account the most recent pledges, including from China and the EU, estimated that global greenhouse gases would decrease 12% by 2035 from 2019 levels, improving on an earlier estimate of 10% published last month.
At the summit, Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), emphasized the central role of people and sustainability in global shipping. Despite the delay on the adoption of IMO’S Net-Zero Framework, the Associated Press reports the Dominguez said that progress on the fee framework continues, and he does not blame the countries that blocked the measure, stressing that decarbonizing shipping will require proactive engagement with all member states and industry sectors.
On the opening day, COP30 President Corrêa do Lago noted that China was playing a "very significant" role, highlighting how its green technology, had driven down costs and transformed the global energy system, the Financial Times reported.
Also on the first day of the summit, Chinese Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu said in his opening remarks that as the world faces increasingly severe climate crises, China's actions to combat climate change will not slow down, its efforts to promote international cooperation will not weaken, and its pursuit of building a community with a shared future for humanity will not cease.
Liu Zhenmin, China's special envoy for climate change, said at the event that China stands ready to work with the international community for the well-being of all humanity, upholding sovereign equality, the rule of law and multilateralism, advocating a people-centered and action-oriented approach to ensure the success of COP30 and bring greater stability and certainty to the global climate process, per Xinhua.
Over the weekend ahead of COP, Brazil, China and the UK co-led a summit on methane, launching initiatives that could “accelerate global action on methane and other non-CO2 greenhouse gases”, said a press release published on the COP30 website. China and the EU also agreed to join a Brazilian-led carbon-market coalition, Bloomberg reported, which “aims to develop common standards for monitoring, reporting and verification”.
Furthermore, at COP30, the European Union (EU) proposed the creation of a Just Transition Action Plan (JTAP) under the UN climate process, putting forward one of the most detailed attempts yet to strengthen global cooperation on the social dimensions of the energy transition.
The plan is designed to translate high-level commitments on “just transition” into practical actions that countries, workers and communities can use to manage the economic and social impacts of shifting to net-zero economies. The EU says the JTAP will focus on fairness, economic planning as well as disruption due to the the shift away from fossil fuels.
The action plan responds to a clear demand heard across negotiations: countries and non-Party stakeholders want more capacity-building, knowledge exchange, technical support, and multi-stakeholder engagement, with a stronger focus on implementation rather than reiterating political commitments.
Furthermore, Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth, Wopke Hoekstra, will lead the EU negotiating team during the second week (17-21 November) of the COP30, working with the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU and the Member States to ensure COP30 makes progress in keeping the goals of the Paris Agreement within reach. Furthermore, Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen will also participate in a series of COP30 energy-related events, including the dedicated Energy Days, to push forward the transition away from fossil fuels and towards more renewable energy and energy efficiency worldwide.
According to announcement of the European Commission, the EU is in Belém with a strong EU negotiating mandate to advance the global clean transition and progress on the implementation of the Paris Agreement and a new EU NDC to reduce net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 66.25 – 72.5% below 1990 levels by 2035. It will cover all sectors of the economy as well as all GHGs.
Related Articles:
Earth.Org 16/11 - COP30 Week 1: Recap
LeMonde 16/11 - COP30: 'Those drawn to China's environmental push should keep a few facts in mind'
DownToEarth 16/11 - COP30 Forum: Navigating Climate and Trade Tensions at IFCCT Launch
Safety4Sea 14/11 - NGOs call on governments to accelerate shipping decarbonization at COP 30
Safety4Sea 13/11 - Arsenio Dominguez: IMO won't stop because of a little setback on the NZF
Safety4Sea 12/11 - IMO Sec-Gen advocates for a green shipping future at COP 30
Reuters 11/11 - Brazil's COP30 climate summit opens with a plea for countries to get along
Carbon Brief 13/11 - China Briefing 13 November 2025: COP30 special
Global Times 10/11 - China's commitment to green transition recognized as COP30 opens in Brazil
7. EU Approves Expanded Powers for EMSA
According to ECSA, on Thursday, 13th November 2025, the European Parliament, adopted the text of the updated European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) mandate.
The updated EMSA mandate, will equip the Agency to help EU countries improve their maritime situational awareness in the face of new geopolitical challenges, such as Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, its shadow fleet, suspicious ship-to-ship transfers and the deactivation of shipborne automatic identification systems.
In order to properly achieve those objectives, the Agency carry will out specific tasks in the area of maritime safety, environmental sustainability, decarbonisation of the maritime sector, maritime security and cybersecurity, maritime surveillance and maritime crises, the promotion of the digitalisation and facilitation of exchanges of data in the maritime domain.
In order to focus on specific challenges and to ensure the cost-efficiency of the tasks the Agency is carrying out, the Management Board of the Agency (‘the Management Board’) should have the right to prioritise certain tasks and activities in the Agency’s annual and multiannual planning.
In addition to the specific tasks, the Agency should provide horizontal technical assistance, upon request by the Commission or the Member States, for the implementation of any task that falls within the remit of its competences and objectives and that stems from future needs and developments at Union level. When deciding whether to include such additional tasks in the single programming document of the Agency as part of its annual or multiannual work program, the Management Board should take into account the available human and financial resources.
Related Articles:
EMSA_CONS_CONS202510056_REV01_EN.pdf
European Parliament 11/11 - MEPs set to strengthen European Maritime Safety Agency
MFame 14/11 - EU Set to Approve Expanded Powers for EMSA to Boost Maritime Safety
8. BIMCO advises thorough risk assessment as Somali Pirate groups remain a threat
Several incidents of Somali pirates attacking merchant vessels were reported in the first week of November.
On the 8th November 2025 the European Union force said in an alert that “The Pirate Action Group (PAG) linked to recent incidents is being monitored closely by the Indian Navy and EUNAVFOR Operation Atalanta and there is currently no threat from this group to merchant vessels.”
Atalanta also downgraded its “critical” threat assessment for the waters in which the pirates have been active.
“Vessels are advised to maintain general awareness and continue reporting to Maritime Security Center Indian Ocean and Maritime Trade Operations if any suspicious activity is observed,” the alert said.
However, on the 9th November 2025, the force clarified that the pirate group remains in the area, “closely monitored” by Atalanta and the Indian Navy.
According to the BIMCO Notice, dated 13th November 2025, all ships operating within reach of Somali pirates should perform a thorough ship- and voyage risk assessment, and follow the guidance laid down in the Best Management Practises for Maritime Security (BMP MS), which contains valuable guidance on where to find information about the threat, how to reduce vulnerabilities, how to plan and conduct operations in the threat area, and what to do during and after a pirate attack.
Related Articles:
BIMCO 13/11 - Emboldened Somali pirates pose a growing threat
Attachment 2: TradeWinds 10/11 - Fresh pirate attacks expose security gap for Indian Ocean shipping
Attachment 3: TradeWinds 09/11 - Pirate group off Somalia is held in check and presents no threat, EU says
Safety4Sea 7/11- Somali piracy spikes after months of calm
9. Houthis halt attacks against shipping in the Red Sea / Houthis letter stirs hopes of permanent Red Sea ceasefire, however caution is advised
In an undated letter to Hamas’s Qassam Brigades, recently published online, the Houthis have indicated that they have halted their attacks. The group has not formally announced it has ceased attacking ships in the region.
“We are closely monitoring developments and declare that if the enemy resumes its aggression against Gaza, we will return to our military operations deep inside Israel, and we will reinstate the ban on Israeli navigation in the Red and Arabian Seas,” the letter from Yusuf Hassan al-Madani, the Houthi armed forces’ chief of staff, reads.
Since the ceasefire of 10 October 2025, no new attacks have been claimed. Although Red Sea disruptions significantly affected Suez Canal traffic, conditions have begun to normalize, and many carriers continue to route vessels around the Cape of Good Hope. Notably, on 8 November, the Suez Canal recorded its largest container-ship transit in two years.
Martin Kelly, head of advisory at maritime intelligence group EOS Risk, said the situation in the Red Sea remained “extremely fragile”. “The issue here is the Houthis retain the capability and intent to attack with little to no notice,” he said.
Kelly said it was possible that shipping groups that diverted vessels from the routes would “wait to test the water” before resuming trade through the Red Sea.
Related Articles:
Safety4Sea 12/11 - Xeneta: Houthi halt on Red Sea attacks could have seismic impact
Attachment 4: TradeWinds 11/11 - Houthis letter stirs hopes of permanent Red Sea ceasefire
Al Jazeera 11/11 - Yemen’s Houthis appear to pull back from Red Sea shipping attacks
Safety4Sea 11/11 - Houthis halt attacks against shipping in the Red Sea
10. US and China port fees officially suspended / US-China port fee pause enters into effect
The United States and the People’s Republic of China issued parallel statements formalizing a mutual one-year suspension of their respective port-fee measures.
On the 10th November 2025, the USTR issued a formal Notice suspending the service fees. The Notice is available here.
The US suspension is stated to run from 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on November 10 2025 for 1 year, until 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, 10 November 2026. During this suspension, no party will be required to pay any of the fees as set out in the previous determinations of the USTR.
The U.S. Trade Representative has stated that the United States will continue negotiations with China under Section 301 while simultaneously advancing domestic initiatives and consultations with allies regarding the revitalization of the U.S. shipbuilding industry.
China also announced a suspension of the Ministry of Transport Announcement no. 54 of 2025; Notice of Implementation Measures JTBS [2025] No. 59; and Ministry of Transport Announcement No. 55 of 2025, for one year starting from 13:01 Beijing time [05:01 GMT] on November 10, 2025. This announcement suspended the Special Port Charges for American ships using US ports announced in early October. Following this announcement, no further Special Port Charges will be collected in China, however certain local MSAs are still requiring arriving vessels to complete and submit the reporting form, therefore, Northern Standard recommends that members check with their appointed local agents and local lawyers as necessary if they have any concerns in this regard.
This suspension covers all prior notices and implementing regulations, including: (1) Announcement No. 54 (2025) on special port fees for U.S. ships; (2) Implementation Measures No. 59 (2025); and (3) Announcement No. 55 (2025) concerning the investigation into effects on China’s shipping, shipbuilding, and associated industrial and supply chains. China has also suspended, for the same period, its countermeasures imposed on five U.S.-related subsidiaries of Hanwha Ocean.
Neither country has issued any guidance on refunds or clawback of fees already paid.
Related Articles:
Attachment 5: TradeWinds 10/11 - US and China port fees officially suspended
SafetySea 11/11 - US-China port fee pause enters into effect
NorthStandard 14/11 - US-China Port Fee Truce Implemented on 10 November 2025: What happens next?
Reuters 10/11 - China suspends port fees on US-linked ships for a year
11. BIMCO Ship Recycling Alliance one year on: Fighting misconceptions
On the 13th November 2025, BIMCO published an examination / evaluation of BIMCO’s Ship Recycling Alliance, which was established on 13 November last year, aiming to advance safe and sustainable recycling and support implementation of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC).
According to BIMCO’ s analysis, ship recycling yards in India and Bangladesh have already made significant investments in certified facilities, with roughly 115 of India’s 130 yards achieving HKC compliance prior to the Convention’s entry into force. These audited and verified facilities should be duly recognised in EU assessments and international policy discussions.
BIMCO believes that with the HKC entering into force, the industry finally has a practically implementable, verifiable, and enforceable legal framework, setting out transparent global rules that ensure the protection of workers, the environment, and all stakeholders involved.
According to BIMCO, the HKC provides a practical and enforceable global framework, requiring an Inventory of Hazardous Materials from construction through a vessel’s lifespan and an International Ready for Recycling Certificate before dismantling. Its implementation is subject to oversight through the IMO Member State Audit Scheme, ensuring consistent application and accountability.
BIMCO refutes claims that the HKC lacks transparency or enforcement as unsupported. With more than 16,000 ships expected to require recycling in the next decade, more than double the previous ten-year total, continued improvement across South Asia and a firm commitment by shipowners to use HKC-compliant yards will be essential to achieving safe, environmentally sound recycling aligned with international law and global climate objectives.
Related Articles:
BIMCO 13/11 - BIMCO Ship Recycling Alliance one year on: Fighting misconceptions
12. Ukrainian attack halts oil exports from Russia's Novo, affecting 2% of global supply, as strikes on Russian Black Sea ports intensify
On Friday, 14th November 2025, a Ukrainian drone attack damaged a ship in port and an oil depot in the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, injuring three crew members of the vessel.
Following the attack, Novorossiysk, has stopped receiving and exporting oil. The strike forced Russia’s pipeline monopoly, Transneft, to halt shipments, though the company declined to comment.
According to Reuters, Global oil prices rallied by more than 2% on supply fears after the attack.
The strike on Novorossiysk follows a string of Ukrainian attacks on Russian Black Sea ports in recent weeks, part of a campaign designed to disrupt Russia’s logistics, fuel supply, and naval operations.
Analysts note that strikes have also been recorded near Feodosia, Sevastopol, and infrastructure linked to Russia’s military logistics on the Kerch peninsula, reinforcing a pattern of Kyiv targeting high-value coastal assets far from the front line.
Related Articles:
TVPoland World 14/11 - Ukrainian drones hit Russia's Novorossiysk
Splash247 14/11 - Ukrainian drones hit Novorossiysk as strikes on Russian Black Sea ports intensify
The Maritime Executive 13/11 - Video: Ukraine Hits Russian Oil Terminal at Novorossiysk
13. US TREASURY REPORT
The US Treasury Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 6: US Treasury Report for week 08-14/11/2025
14. PIRACY REPORT
The Piracy Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 7: 14/11 - Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) Report, for the period between 15 October 2025 – 12 November 2025
Nothing important to report from the ILO and the House of Representatives.
