13th April 2026 – 17th April 2026
LOCAL NEWS
1. Press Conference of the Deputy Ministry of Shipping on the Cyprus-Greece Maritime Passenger Connection
On the 15th April 2026, the Deputy Ministry of Shipping announced the commencement of the Cyprus–Greece Sea Passenger Connection for its fifth consecutive year of operation, scheduled to begin in May 2026. The continuation of this initiative by the Republic of Cyprus confirms the importance of the said initiative as a reliable and beneficial service for the travelling public, offering an alternative to air transport and reinforcing the growing strength, reliability and strategic importance of the shipping sector to the national economy. The first voyage is scheduled to depart from Limassol on 29 May 2026, while the final return journey from Piraeus to Limassol will take place on 1 September 2026.
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
2. Hazardous cargo compensation regime moves to entry into force
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has reported progress towards the ratification of the 2010 Convention on Liability and Compensation for Damage in Connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances by Sea, a treaty aimed at ensuring compensation for damage caused by dangerous cargoes transported by sea.
The Convention establishes an international legal framework governing liability and compensation for damage arising from the carriage of hazardous and noxious substances (HNS) by sea. It aims to ensure prompt, adequate and effective compensation for victims of incidents involving such cargoes, including risks such as pollution, fire, explosion, and resulting loss of life, personal injury, or property damage.
According to the latest update, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands and Sweden deposited ratifications to 2010 HNS Convention, joining a growing number of countries which have either ratified or are preparing to accede to the Protocol, indicating gradual momentum toward meeting the entry-into-force conditions. There are now 12 Contracting States to the 2010 Protocol to the HNS Convention, meeting the number of States criteria for entry into force. The treaty requires at least 12 States to express their consent to be bound by it, including four States each with not less than 2 million units of gross tonnage. Five of the eight States which had previously ratified the treaty had more than 2 million units of gross tonnage each.
Based on current reporting, this requirement is expected to be assessed after 31 May 2026, with entry into force anticipated at the earliest by 30 November 2027.
The IMO said the 2010 HNS Convention establishes the “polluter pays” principle, by ensuring that the shipping and HNS industries provide compensation to those who suffer loss or damage as a result of HNS incidents.
An HNS Fund will be established to provide compensation once the shipowner’s liability is exhausted. The fund will be financed through post-incident contributions from receivers of HNS cargoes, the IMO said.
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IMO 14/04 - Hazardous cargo compensation regime moves to entry into force
Riviera 17/04 - IMO hazardous cargo compensation regime nears entry into force
Splash247 16/04 - Global compensation regime nears for hazardous cargoes
Seatrade Maritime 15/04 - IMO hazardous cargo compensation rules move closer
Marine Link 15/04 - Hazardous Cargo Compensation Regime Close To Entry Into
3. Strait of Hormuz Reclosed, Heightening Global Market and Security Concerns
On Sunday, 12th April 2026, President Donald Trump stated that the United States Navy will begin blockading the Strait of Hormuz “immediately” after peace talks between the US and Iran in Pakistan ended without an agreement.
The US President said the US Navy would also hunt down and interdict ships in international waters that have paid Iran a toll to traverse the strait, noting that US forces will also begin clearing mines that he says Iran placed in the strait.
The US measures affecting vessels entering and leaving Iranian ports, expanded maritime enforcement against Iran in the Persian Gulf, authorising broader inspections and potential boarding of Iranian-linked or sanctioned vessels. This approach raised legal concerns under international maritime law, especially under UNCLOS rules on freedom of navigation and the limits on blockades under the San Remo Manual. For shipowners, this mainly meant higher caution: checking voyage risks, reviewing contracts and sanctions clauses, and possibly adjusting routes linked to Iran.
While Washington has urged other States to participate in enforcing these measures, several European countries indicated that direct involvement would amount to participation in the conflict. At the same time, they expressed support for maritime security operations and the protection of freedom of navigation once a ceasefire is in place or hostilities have ceased.
Following a ceasefire accord agreed in Lebanon, on the 17th April 2026, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said “passage for all commercial vessels through [the] Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of the ceasefire” in a post on X.
Iranian state TV has now quoted a “senior military official” as saying that the passage of these vessels will be through a “designated route” and with the permission of the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Forces) Navy.
Shortly after Araqchi’s statement, Trump confirmed in a social media post that the strait was “completely open and ready for business and full passage”, though he went on to add that the US naval blockade of Iran would “remain in full force” until Iran reached a deal with the US to end the war, which he said should happen very quickly given that most points were already negotiated.
As a result of the US maintaining its blockade, Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. According to multiple reports, Iranian forces have reasserted control over the strait and warned vessels not to pass, with incidents involving gunfire or attacks on commercial ships attempting to transit the area. At least two vessels reported being targeted, though no casualties were confirmed. Iran has stated that the closure will remain in place until the U.S. lifts its blockade, which Tehran describes as unlawful interference with its maritime trade.
The renewed closure has raised concerns across global markets and governments.
Related Articles:
Attachment 1: Reuters 17/04 - Countries to discuss Hormuz mission for when conflict ends
Attachment 2: Reuters 17/04 - Trump says Iran war should end 'soon', allies to meet on Strait of Hormuz
Attachment 3: TradeWinds 13/04 - US blockade of Iranian ports raises ‘double risk’ for shipping
NewMoney 17/04 - Hormuz: A turning point this weekend for the course of the crisis
NewMoney 16/04 - Diplomatic flurry ahead of the second round of US–Iran negotiations
Mononews 15/04 - Strait of Hormuz: Iran proposal for free passage of ships from the Omani side
MoneyReview 17/04 - Conference in Paris on the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz
Safety4Sea 15/04 - US blockade shows limited impact on Strait of Hormuz
TRT World 14/04 - Iran-linked ships take new route into Gulf amid US blockade of Hormuz
POLITICO 17/04 - Strait of Hormuz reopening for commercial traffic, Trump and Iran say
Al Jazeera 17/04 - Iran foreign minister says Strait of Hormuz ‘completely open
BBC 19/04 - Strait of Hormuz closed again, Iran says, as ships attacked
Al Jazeera 19/04 - Iran war updates: Tehran vows response after Trump says US seized ship
4. UGS urges governments to adopt a pragmatic approach during MEPC 84
Ahead of the upcoming IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee meeting (MEPC 84), the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) has called for a more pragmatic and coordinated approach to shipping decarbonisation.
In a recent statement, UGS President Melina Travlou reaffirmed the industry’s commitment to reducing emissions, while emphasizing that future measures must remain realistic, globally aligned, and practically implementable. She cautioned that fragmented or overly ambitious regulations risk distorting competition and undermining the IMO’s role as the primary global regulator.
The UGS also highlighted the sector’s continued investment in fleet renewal, energy efficiency, and new technologies, underlining that shipping is already making tangible progress toward decarbonisation.
As discussions intensify ahead of MEPC 84, the need for close cooperation between governments and industry remains critical to ensure effective and globally applicable solutions for the transition to net-zero shipping.
In parallel, the Cyprus Union of Shipowners (CUS) is closely monitoring developments in cooperation with the Cyprus Government. CUS has recently endorsed a proposal submitted by Liberia, supported by the United States, advocating for a realistic and fact-based approach that takes into account fuel availability and cost implications.
We will continue to keep you informed as discussions progress.
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Safety4Sea 16/04 - UGS urges governments to adopt a pragmatic approach during MEPC 84
5. EU ETS data shows shipping emissions fell 3% in 2025
Verified data released by the European Commission on April 10, 2026 shows that maritime emissions under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) declined by 3% year-on-year in 2025, following the sector’s initial inclusion in the scheme. The reduction reflects early compliance responses, as shipping companies were required to surrender allowances covering 70% of verified emissions for the reporting year. The phased implementation is scheduled to reach 100% coverage from 2026, increasing cost exposure to carbon and strengthening decarbonisation incentives.
The data provides a preliminary indication of behavioural adjustments across the sector, including operational optimisation and fuel consumption management, although final figures remain subject to verification as reporting is completed.
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Safety4Sea 14/04 - EU ETS data shows shipping emissions fell 3% in 2025
EU Shipping GHG Emissions Dropped by 3% in 2025 - Ship & Bunker
6. EU moves toward 20th Russia sanctions package following Orbán's defeat
After Viktor Orbán's defeat at the Hungarian elections on Sunday, 12th April 2026, and Washington's decision to phase out waivers for Russian oil, hopes are rising in Brussels that a package of sanctions against Moscow will finally be unlocked.
First vetoed by Hungary and Slovakia over an unrelated dispute with Ukraine involving the Druzhba pipeline and later challenged by the energy turmoil unleashed by the US war on Iran, the proposed sanctions, which include a full ban on maritime services for Russian oil tankers, are still waiting for a resolution.
But recent developments in Budapest and Washington have suddenly improved the odds, raising hopes in Brussels that the 20th package could soon be unblocked.
On the 16th April 2026, European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said that the bloc is preparing to advance its 20th package of sanctions against Russia.
However, Ms. Kallas’s comments come amid opposition from Slovakia. According to Slovak outlet Dennik N, Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar has said his country is prepared to veto the sanctions unless it receives assurances regarding the Druzhba oil pipeline.
Blanar told members of the Slovak Parliament's European Affairs Committee that Slovakia wants a clear guarantee that the Druzhba oil pipeline will be reopened. He added that Bratislava would block the sanctions package if the pipeline is not operational.
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Euronews 16/04 - Orbán's defeat and US shift raise hopes to unblock EU sanctions on Russia
7. China’s New Countermeasures Regulation: Identification, Blocking and the Malicious Entity List
On 13 April 2026, the State Council of the People’s Republic of China (the State Council) promulgated the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Countering Improper Extraterritorial Jurisdiction by Foreign States, the Regulations), effective on publication.
The instrument gives authorities sweeping powers to investigate and act against companies or individuals it believes are interfering with supply chains and is intended to “to take precautions against security risks in industrial and supply chains” and “preserve national security.”
According to legal experts, a textual analysis reveals that these decrees do not introduce entirely new legal concepts but rather systematize, elevate, and selectively expand a toolkit developed since 2020, integrating elements from the Unreliable Entity List (UEL), MOFCOM Blocking Rules, Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law (AFSL), and AFSL Implementation Regulations. China has transitioned from ad hoc countermeasures to a comprehensive, multiagency countersanctions legal framework capable of addressing commercial conduct, regulatory compliance decisions, and cross-border legal conflicts.
As a result:
- Compliance Is Now a Multifront Exposure: A single corporate action, such as terminating a supplier to comply with US export controls, can now simultaneously trigger supply chain investigations, extraterritorial jurisdiction countermeasures, AFSL countersanctions, and UEL designation.
- Jurisdictional Position: Decree 835 can be read as articulating China’s position on exercising jurisdiction over conduct with an “appropriate connection” to China, increasing risk for offshore decisions.
- Expanded Definition of Sanctionable Conduct: The new “Malicious Entity List” targets those who “promote” foreign sanctions. This may be interpreted to potentially capture public advocacy, lobbying, or urging industry peers to sever ties with Chinese entities, even without direct implementation.
- Supply Chain Diligence Is Under Scrutiny: Decree 834 introduces new restrictions on supply chain information collection, creating direct conflicts for companies attempting to comply with EU CSDDD or US UFLPA requirements.
It should be emphasized that Decree 835 includes provisions referencing potential criminal liability under applicable law, escalating enforcement beyond the administrative penalties and exit bans seen in prior instruments.
A major EU business lobby group has criticised China’s new lawa, since the legislation comes as global supply chains have become a key battleground in geopolitical rivalry, with the US imposing tariffs, EU and other nations implementing trade defences against Chinese exports and Beijing responding with its own export controls on rare earths.
It is still unclear how the new regulations will be implemented.
Due to its “unclear and vague provisions…increases the risk of doing business in or with China,” the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China said in a statement on Monday, 13th April 2026.
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Squire Patton Boggs - China’s New Countermeasures Regulation
8. EU states to revisit Israel sanctions after Orbán loss
On Wednesday, 15th April 2026, the EUObserver news site reported that several E.U. member states will reintroduce proposals for sanctions on Israel when they meet next week in Luxembourg for the first time since outgoing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s loss in his country’s general elections.
Hungary under Orbán has blocked several attempts to sanction Israel by withholding its consent from proposals. Péter Magyar, whose Party, won the election on April 12, has not specified his standpoints on Israel, however, his platform favors closer cooperation with the E.U., with which Orbán has publicly clashed on many issues, including Israel.
E.U. trade sanctions could mean a suspension of the E.U.-Israel Association Agreement by a qualified majority vote in the E.U. Council. On Wednesday, 15th April 2026, a group of 350 former European ministers, ambassadors, and senior officials has urged in a joint statement the European Union to suspend the aforementioned EU-Israel Association Agreement
The meeting in Luxembourg is to be held on the 21st April 2026 and cover various foreign policy issues, including the situation vis-à-vis Iran.
Related Articles:
JNS 16/04 - EU states to revisit Israel sanctions after Orbán loss
EUobserver 15/04 - EU to discuss sanctions on Israel, pending new Hungarian government position
AA 15/04 - About 350 ex-ministers, diplomats call for suspension of EU-Israel Association Agreement
9. US TREASURY REPORT
The US Treasury Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
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Attachment 4: US Treasury Report for week 13/04/2026 – 17/04/2026
10. EU SANCTIONS LIST
Please note that no updates have been published this week regarding the EU Consolidated List or the EU Sanctions Map.
11. PIRACY REPORT
The Piracy Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
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Attachment 5: Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) Report, for the period between 18/03/2026 – 15/04/2026
Nothing important to report from ECSA, ILO and the House of Representatives.