29th November 2025 – 5th December 2025
LOCAL NEWS
1. The priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union – Cyprus Presidency will focus on strengthening Europe's position as a global leader in the shipping sector
The Conference of Presidents – political group leaders as well as the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola – were in Nicosia on 1-2 December 2025 to discuss priorities ahead of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which will commence on the 1st January 2026 for a six month period.
The Conference of Presidents discussed with Cyprus President Christodoulides the themes of the upcoming Presidency, the importance of a strong, secure and autonomous Europe, as well as the questions of prosperity and competitiveness.
At a joint press conference, the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola and the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides both underlined their commitment to work as partners.
“Cyprus takes on the Council Presidency at a moment of rapid change and rising expectations from our citizens. We know we must push further on security, on competitiveness, and on our simplification agenda. And with Cyprus in charge, as a strong partner, I know we will deliver – together,” President Metsola said.
“We have two main goals. The first one is to enhance the strategic autonomy of the EU. The second goal is bringing the EU much closer to the region. We know very well that in order to have a successful Presidency, we need to work with the European Parliament. And there is a clear political will to work together in order to have a successful outcome,” President Christodoulides said.
With the commencement of the Cypriot Presidency approaching, the Cyprus Government started providing further insight to its priorities and plans during its Presidency.
On Thursday, 4th December 2025, Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades said Cyprus is ready to steer the European transport agenda in the coming months. Arriving in Brussels, Vafeades underlined that Cyprus is assuming the presidency with a clear focus on connectivity, sustainability and accessibility.
Effective transport links, he said, underpin economic cooperation, mobility and the broader machinations of the single market. The minister highlighted that this includes improving cross-border accessibility and ensuring that all regions remain fully integrated into the wider European system.
On Thursday, 4th December 2025, upon her arrival at the Transport, Telecommunications, and Energy (TTE) Council in Brussels, which brought together EU ministers and senior officials to address key transport challenges, with maritime decarbonisation high on the agenda, Deputy Minister of Shipping, Ms. Marina Hadjimanolis, briefed her colleagues on the work program for shipping during the upcoming Cypriot Presidency of the EU Council.
According to Hadjimanolis, the shipping work program for the upcoming Cypriot Presidency of the EU Council, "will focus on sustainable development, innovation, and strengthening Europe's position as a global leader in the shipping sector."
Furthermore, she noted that Cyprus looks forward to "constructive cooperation with all Member States and the European Commission in the coming months, aiming to ensure the continuity and balance of the Presidency. Cyprus, as the leader, will work to promote common goals and address the challenges facing the shipping industry," she concluded.
According to the Deputy Ministry, Hadjimanolis joined a discussion on global regulatory steps within the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), noting that the EU should promote measures that are both implementable and capable of ensuring a level playing field.
She also referred to the need for consensus among all parties involved so that the highest possible degree of decarbonisation can be achieved.
Related Publications
Hadjimanolis says Cyprus will promote common goals in EU to resolve shipping sector challenges
EU Parliament President visits Cyprus ahead of Council Presidency
Cyprus to drive EU transport agenda, says Vafeades | Cyprus Mail
Poland passes the EU torch to Cyprus after action-packed presidency, KNEWS
Cyprus outlines decarbonisation priorities as EU ministers meet in Brussels | Cyprus Mail
2. Cyprus Shipping at the Marintec China Exhibition in Shanghai
The Cyprus Shipping Deputy Ministry participated in Marintec China 2025, which took place from 2-5 December 2025, as part of the Cyprus Pavilion, alongside the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry (MECI) and a number of Cypriot shipping companies. Marintec China, the international maritime exhibition held biennially in China, is regarded as one of the largest and most influential maritime exhibitions worldwide, attracting more than 80,000 visitors and over 2,000 exhibitors from 30 countries, including 15 national pavilions representing leading maritime nations.
Throughout the exhibition, the delegation of the Shipping Deputy Ministry provided visitors with comprehensive information on the competitive advantages of the Cypriot maritime cluster, the registration of vessels under the Cyprus flag, the Cyprus Tonnage Tax System and the full spectrum of services offered by the Ministry. Through its participation, the Shipping Deputy Ministry further enhances the promotion of Cyprus as a modern and reliable maritime centre within one of the world’s largest and most significant shipping markets.
Related Article:
MONONEWS 02/12 - Cyprus Shipping at the Marintec China Exhibition in Shanghai
3. EUROPEAN COMMISSION PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON FORMS FOR SUBMISSION OF BENEFICIARY OWNERSHIP INFORMATION
On the 3rd December 2025, the Department of the Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property notified the public and all interested parties, that the European Commission has issued a draft Implementing Regulation specifying the formats for the submission of information concerning Beneficial Owners, pursuant to Article 62 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1624, to the Central Beneficial Ownership Registries established under Article 10 of Directive (EU) 2024/1640.
This initiative will establish the formats used to submit beneficial ownership information referred to in Article 62 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1624 to central registers and will include a checklist of minimum requirements for this information to be examined by the entity in charge of the central register.
The Draft Regulation specifies that, where one legal entity or arrangement may have multiple beneficial owners, the entities in charge of central registers may therefore register each beneficial owner separately, through the same repeatable workflow, until all beneficial owners have been registered. Furthermore, where a legal entity or a legal arrangement submitting beneficial ownership information is a part of a complex structure that includes multiple legal entities or legal arrangements with links to the same beneficial owner or owners, a visual representation of the ownership or control structure (‘organisational chart’) should be submitted as it is the most user-friendly and accessible way to understand the corporate structure the legal entity or legal arrangement belongs to.
Article 1 of the Draft Regulation provides the format for the submission of data on beneficial owners, while article 5 provides the Checklist of elements that should be provided for entities in charge of central registers to accept submitted beneficial ownership information only.
The Commission gave notice that the period for submission of comments shall remain open for a duration of four (4) weeks, commencing on 26 November 2025 and concluding on 24 December 2025. Any comments submitted directly to the European Commission shall be duly considered in the formulation of the final legislative instrument. Interested parties wishing to participate in the public consultation must register, or log in via an existing EU Login account, including those linked to social networking credentials. All comments and submissions received shall be published by the European Commission subsequent to the closure of the consultation period. The draft Implementing Regulation, together with its relevant Annexes, is made available for review under the title Draft Implementing Regulation & Annexes.
Related Article:
Attachment 1: Draft Commission Regulation on formats for submitting beneficial ownership information
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
4. IMO’s 34th general assembly: Resolutions adopted on the 2026-2027 budget, revised strategic plan and capacity development support for Member States.
The 34th session of the Assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which ran in London from 24 November to 3 December, 2025 concluded with the adoption of 22 resolutions, including the adoption of the Capacity Development Strategy and decisions on the Organization’s budget, financial statements, work programme and strategic plan, among others.
The adoption of the Capacity Development Strategy marks a historic step in establishing a coherent, modern framework to support all Member States, especially those most in need.
The Assembly adopted the revised Strategic Plan for the six-year period 2024 to 2029, including the mission statement, vision statement, overarching principles and strategic directions and updates to the 2026-2027 work programme of IMO organs and the table of performance indicators. There are eight strategic directions:
SD 1: Ensure implementation of IMO instruments supported by capacity development
SD 2: Integrate new, emerging and advancing technologies in the regulatory framework
SD 3: Respond to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping
SD 4: Continue to engage in ocean governance
SD 5: Enhance global facilitation, supply chain resilience and security of international trade
SD 6: Address the human element
SD 7: Ensure the regulatory effectiveness of international shipping
SD 8: Ensure organizational effectiveness
The Assembly also adopted four resolutions:
1. Code on Alerts and Indicators, 2025 (A.1204(34))
The following notable amendments were effected:
- Inclusion of the Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS) Guidelines (MEPC.340(77)) in the Code, and in particular a reference in table 10.1.4 – Location: at the equipment or at the location being monitored, since the EGCS Guidelines addressed monitoring systems which may be considered as indicators.
- Inclusion of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) in the Code, and in particular a reference in tables 10.1.1 – Location: navigation bridge and 10.1.6 – Location: miscellaneous, to capture section 9.43 – Monitoring the Security of the Ship of the ISPS Code, which referred to an audible and/or visual alarm activated by automatic intrusion-detection devices.
- Inclusion of the Code for Approval of Ballast Water Management Systems (BWMS Code) in the Code, and in particular relevant references in table 10.1.8 – Location: not indicated by IMO instruments, and to delete the references to the resolutions on sediment monitoring and self-monitoring related to the BWM Convention.
2. Procedures for Port State Control, 2025 (A.1206(34))
The new procedures include:
- The Guidelines for Port State Control Officers (PSCO) on Security Aspects as a new appendix 20 to the PSC procedures.
- An updated appendix 21 – List of instruments relevant to port State control procedures
3. Survey Guidelines under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC), 2025 (A.1207(34)
While these guidelines are not made mandatory by the IMO, the guidelines are mandatory for all European Union Recognised Organisations (most IACS members) under EU Regulation 391/2009. The latest version includes amendments to relevant survey requirements for mandatory instruments that will enter into force up to and including 31 December 2025. This includes the following updates:
- Amendments have been made to reflect the required survey items in mandatory conventions and codes.
- Survey items pertaining to the IP Code International Code of Safety for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel have been included in the guidelines.
- Survey items related to the examination of certificates and records from non-harmonised conventions and deletion of items related to Anti-fouling System Certificate. Since the AFS Convention 2001 does not provide a harmonised system for the survey and certification of Anti-fouling System Certificates, they have been removed from the Guidelines.
The new guidelines take effect from 1 January 2026
and
4. 2025 Non-exhaustive list of obligations under instruments relevant to the IMO Instruments Implementation Code (III Code) (A.1208(34))
The III Code is aimed at governments and provides guidance on the implementation and enforcement of IMO instruments, in particular concerning the identification of auditable areas relevant to the IMO Member State Audit Scheme.
It has been updated to include a number of requirements that enter into force by 1 July 2026, including, but not limited to, those related to the GMDSS, regional waste reception facilities and the auditing of firms engaged in thickness measurement of hull structures.
The effective date is the 3 December 2025.
In addition, several resolutions were revoked as a consequence of new resolutions previously adopted.
Related Publications
IMO Assembly adopts new Capacity Development Strategy
IMO Assembly concludes with renewed commitments - SAFETY4SEA
IMO Assembly Adopts New Capacity Development Strategy
maritime.lr.org/Assembly-34-Summary-Report
Attachment 2: TradeWinds 05/12 - IMO Assembly agrees on plan to help member states follow its rules
5. CountEmissionsEU provisional agreement voted by EP committees
On Wednesday 3rd December 2025, European Parliament’s (EP) Transport (TRAN), and Environment (ENVI) committees held a joint vote on the provisional agreement reached between the EP and Council on 5 November. According to ECSA, the provisional agreement was approved by the two committees.
ECSA points out that in Article 6 Paragraph 1b, of the provisional agreement, concerning the core EU database of default values for greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensity, it is provided that the database shall include a separate table for each mode of transport, stressing -in particular- data for maritime shipping. This data shall be derived from the “Thetis-MRV” database and complemented, where applicable, with other sources of information such as the FuelEU database, which is in line with the ES|ECSA position.
Furthermore, Article 8a of the provisional agreement tasks the EC to develop a calculation tool, particularly designed to support SMEs, that can be used free of charge. The EC is given four years to develop this tool. According to ECSA, this is in line with its own position on this issue.
Under the provisional agreement (see Article 15a and Recital 16a), verifiers accredited under FuelEU Maritime and the EU MRV will be considered accredited, to carry out verification duties in the maritime sector, provided they inform the designated national authorities of their intention to perform such duties. This is another feature in line with ES|ECSA’s position, as ECSA believes that it could help reduce administrative burdens.
Before the EP can adopt the text in Plenary, it must first be officially approved by the Council. The file is tentatively scheduled to be taken up by the EP plenary in March 2026.
When the text is adopted by the co-legislators, it will be published in the Official Journal of the EU and enter into force on the twentieth day following its publication.
Related Publications
Attachment 1: CountEmissionsEU-Agreed_consolidated_marked_text_EN
Attachment 2: ECSA Policy Paper on CountEmissionsEU
6. Council and Parliament reach provisional agreement on the regulation to phase out imports of Russian natural gas
On the 3rd December 2025, the Council presidency and the European Parliament’s representatives reached a provisional agreement on the regulation to phase out imports of Russian natural gas. The regulation constitutes a central element of the EU's REPowerEU roadmap to end dependency on Russian energy.
The regulation introduces a legally binding, stepwise prohibition on both liquefied natural gas (LNG) and pipeline gas imports from Russia, Under the agreement, member states will halt imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) by the end of 2026. Pipeline gas imports will stop by November 2027.
In particular, for existing LNG deals, a ban on imports under short-term contracts signed before June 2025 would apply from Apr. 25, 2026. For long-term supply deals, the ban on Russian LNG would apply from Jan. 1, 2027, as per the EU’s 19th sanctions package adopted in late October.
For Russian piped gas imports, the prohibition is a bit different. Short-term supply deals would be banned from Jun. 17, 2026. But long-term deals would be phased out by Sep. 30, 2027 — unless the EU’s storage filling targets are not met, in which case the cutoff date would extend to Nov. 1, 2027.
The co-legislators also adopted the prior authorization regime during the transitional phase as follows:
- for Russian gas still eligible under the transitional period, the required information for authorization (such as date of conclusion of the gas supply contract, duration of the gas supply contract, identify of the parties to the country, EORI number, the delivery points etc.) must be submitted at least one month before entry.
- for non-Russian gas, the proof must be provided at least five days before entry.
- Some countries can be exempted from the authorization procedure based on objective criteria (e.g., major gas-producing countries that exported more than 5bcm of natural gas to the EU in 2024 and that either prohibit or restrict imports of Russian gas, or countries without any infrastructure to import).
Contrary to the Commission’s Proposal, the co-legislators introduced provisions for dissuasive penalties for failure to comply with the measures set out in the Regulation, including a maximum threshold for penalties both for companies and private individuals.
In addition, the Council and the Parliament maintained the suspension clause allowing the Commission to temporarily suspend the measures because of sudden and significant development seriously threatening the security of energy supply of one or more Member States. However, the co-legislators tightened the conditions for the Commission to trigger the temporary lifting of the import prohibition, including reliance on a declared state of emergency and limited duration, focused on short-term contracts.
According to the deal, Member States will have to submit national diversification plans outlining measures to diversifying their gas and oil supplies by 1 March 2026. They will also be required to notify the Commission within one month of the Regulation’s entry into force whether they have Russian gas supply contracts or national legal bans in place.
The Commission will undertake an assessment of the plans and issue recommendations, where appropriate, no later than three months after receiving the plans. Moreover, the Commission is ready to support the Member States throughout the entire process.
The provisional agreement will now be endorsed by the Council and the Parliament before being formally adopted. An energy minister council meeting expected on the 15th December 2025 and a parliament plenary vote expected on the 16th December 2025.
Our Union will examine in close cooperation with ECSA and the Shipping Deputy Ministry how the regulation will affect the shipping industry.
Related Publications
EU Agrees Provisional Russian Gas Import Ban Deal | Energy Intelligence
EU approves provisional deal to end all Russian gas imports by 2027 — Novaya Gazeta Europe
EU to Completely Phase Out Russian Gas Imports - Cassidy Levy Kent
Hungary Vows Legal Fight After EU Agrees To Phase Out Russian Gas
The EU to permanently stop importing Russian gas and phase out Russian oil - SAFETY4SEA
7. Turkey says 'very scary' attacks on tankers threaten Black Sea safety
On Wednesday, 3rd December 2025, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Wednesday said the "very scary" attacks of recent days on Russia-linked tankers in the Black Sea threatened the safety of all in the region and showed the reach of the war in Ukraine was expanding.
The strikes violate navigational safety and are impacting commerce, he said, adding Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria, which also border the Black Sea, were looking at measures to boost security.
Fidan discussed the attacks, with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels, as well as with his counterparts from Bulgaria and Romania. Fidan and his Bulgarian and Romanian counterparts stressed the importance of free trade flows in the Black Sea, securing critical infrastructure, and ensuring safe sea routes, while calling for adherence to international law.
Underwriters previously reviewed the terms of war insurance every 48 hours, but the latest developments have prompted daily reviews, the sources said.
On Tuesday, 2nd December 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened to sever Ukraine’s access to the sea in response to the tanker attacks, adding that Moscow would take measures against tankers of countries that helped Ukraine.
The attacks have sent Black Sea shipping insurance rates higher.
Related Publications
Turkey says 'very scary' attacks on Russia-linked tankers threaten Black Sea safety | Reuters
Turkey summons Ukrainian, Russian envoys over Black Sea attacks | eKathimerini.com
Turkish Foreign Minister says "very scary" attacks threaten the Black Sea - SAFETY4SEA
8. IMO and EU join forces to advance shipping operations in Africa
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European Union (EU) have launched the “Future-Ready Shipping in Africa” project to support Africa’s transition to a sustainable, decarbonized, and digitally advanced maritime sector. The initiative aims to foster economic growth, environmental protection, social development, and strengthen gender balance in the industry. The project is built around four key objectives:
- Strengthening Maritime Governance:
Providing technical assistance to help African countries align national laws with MARPOL Annex VI and IMO climate goals, including updates to maritime legislation. - Developing Alternative Fuel Infrastructure:
Conducting feasibility studies and preparing bankable business cases for alternative fuel bunkering facilities and green corridor projects in selected ports. - Advancing Digitalization and Maritime Single Window (MSW):
Performing readiness assessments and creating national MSW roadmaps to improve data interoperability, security, regulatory compliance and environmental reporting. - Enhancing Maritime Education and Training (MET):
Updating curricula to include alternative fuels, biodiversity, and digital skills, alongside offering specialised training and scholarships to support a diverse future workforce.
Related Article:
SAFETY4SEA 01/12 - IMO and EU join forces to advance shipping operations in Africa
9. US TREASURY REPORT
The US Treasury Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 3: US Treasury Report for week 29/11/2025-05/12/2025
10. PIRACY REPORT
The Piracy Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 4: 02/12/2025 - Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) Report, for the period between 29 October 2025 – 26 November 2025
Nothing important to report from the ILO and the House of Representatives.