23rd May 2026 – 29th May 2026
LOCAL NEWS
1. Posidonia 2026 Draws Record Global Turnout as Cyprus Strengthens Maritime Presence
On Thursday, 29th May 2026, the traditional, curtain-raising press conference for Posidonia 2026 took place in Piraeus.
In his opening address, Maritime and Island Policy Minister Vassilis Kikilias refer to the significance of Greek shipping for global transport of goods, for the Greek economy and society in general, and stressed that in the tug-of-war within the International Maritime Organization (IMO) about the rush toward zero-emission shipping, Greece has been vindicated with its wise stance to head to the right direction but only with sure and cautious steps. The situation in the Persian Gulf has vindicated the Greek position that we should not rush with biofuel, said Kikilias: “So what we are seeing now is that everyone is arriving at the Greek position,” he said.
Furthermore, the managing director of Posidonia Exhibitions noted that participation is reaching new historic levels, with strong representation from major European maritime powers. Initial concerns over the impact of the Middle East crisis had not translated into weaker participation; on the contrary, participation from the wider Middle East region had increased. The exhibition will place particular emphasis on the technological transition reshaping the industry, with more than 30 companies offering artificial intelligence solutions for shipping and more than 100 presenting technologies linked to the energy transition.
Posidonia 2026, one of the world’s largest and most influential international shipping exhibitions, is set to take place from Sunday, 1 June to Thursday, 5 June at the Metropolitan Expo in Athens, with this year’s edition expected to attract more than 2,200 exhibitors from 80 countries and 24 national pavilions.
Cyprus will have a strong and visible presence at the exhibition, with more than 54 Cyprus-listed exhibitors and organisations confirmed to participate, reflecting the breadth and depth of the island’s maritime cluster.
Participants range from ship management groups and maritime service providers to companies active in insurance, training, bunkering, digital solutions and ship supplies, alongside government representation. The Shipping Deputy Ministry will also be represented at the event.
As Cyprus sought to strengthen its presence around Posidonia 2026, Shipping Deputy Minister Ms. Marina Hadjimanolis attended receptions hosted by leading Cyprus-based shipmanagement and financial groups in Athens.
The Deputy Minister was the keynote speaker at one of the receptions and used the occasion to support Cypriot shipping companies active in Greece and to reinforce Cyprus’ ties with the Greek and international maritime community, at a time when Posidonia continues to grow as a platform for both commercial contacts and policy discussion.
Related Article:
Attachment 1: Trade Winds 29/5 - Posidonia 2026 breaks records as shipping shrugs off Strait of Hormuz disruption
Hellenic Shipping News 29/5 – Posidonia 2026 Takes Centre Stage
Safety4Sea 28/5 - Shipping’s global role in focus as Posidonia 2026 opens in Athens
Freedom-of-navigation challenges take center stage at Posidonia | eKathimerini.com
Cyprus Mail 28/5 – Deputy Shipping Minister Hadjimanolis backs Cyprus-linked companies in Greece
2. European Maritime Day 2026 Concludes in Limassol with Call for Blue Economy Cooperation
Shipping Deputy Minister Ms. Marina Hadjimanolis delivered the closing remarks at European Maritime Day (EMD) 2026, held in Limassol, stating that the blue economy will be central to Europe’s prosperity and resilience in the years ahead. She said the event had brought together the full breadth of Europe’s maritime community, from shipping and ports to fisheries, aquaculture, ocean observation, energy transition, coastal resilience and
maritime skills.
Highlighting Cyprus’ role as one of the EU’s leading maritime centres, Ms. Hadjimanolis said economic development and environmental responsibility must go hand in hand, pointed to the EU Ocean Pact as an important framework for ocean governance, sustainability, competitiveness and maritime security, and concluded that Cyprus will continue to be a reliable maritime partner within Europe and internationally.
Related Articles:
Cyprus Mail 25/5 – Blue economy central to future European prosperity, says Shipping Minister
SDM 24/5 – Closing Remarks By the Shipping Minister at EMD 2026
3. 18th Efkranti Awards Ceremony
The 18th Efkranti Awards Ceremony, took place in Athens on the 28th May 2026.
Representing Cyprus at the Awards, the Shipping Dpeuty Minister Ms. Marina Hadjimanolis emphasized that the Efkranti Awards have now established themselves as a leading institution for the Greek shipping community, highlighting individuals who, through their work and contributions, make a substantial contribution to the progress and development of shipping.
Ms. Hadjimanolis added that “Greece and Cyprus, two nations with a long-standing maritime tradition, share common principles and values and are bound by strong historical and fraternal ties. Together we have achieved much, and together we can achieve even more for the sustainable development of European and global shipping”.
Furthermore, she noted that “Cyprus, as the country holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, is leading substantive consultations aimed at ensuring the competitiveness of European shipping, promoting the green and digital transition, and maintaining a level playing field for European shipping companies”.
Furthermore, important figures of the shipping industry received awards for their contribution to the shipping industry. A full list of the awards winner can be found in the link here: 18th Efkranti Awards Ceremony: Honouring the Leading Figures of Greek Shipping.
The members of our Union, Diana Shipping Inc. and Captain Panayiotis N. Tsakos, received the prestigious awards for the Sustainable Development Award in the Shipping Industry and the Efkranti Award «Ερχόμεθα προς την Θάλασσαν», respectively. We would like to extend our warmest congratulations to our members for these distinctions, which stand as a testament to their outstanding contributions to the maritime sector and the advancement of the shipping industry.
We are also delighted to note the achievements of several other distinguished award recipients, including Professor Costas Th. Grammenos, the Athena I. Martinou Foundation, Mr. Ioannis M. Lyras, Mrs. Panagiota Diamanti, Founder and President of the non-profit organization «Νέα Ζωή στο Χωριό», the George & Mary Vergotis Foundation, Mr. Spyros N. Vlassopoulos, Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp., Neptune Group of Companies, and Polembros Shipping. We warmly congratulate all awardees on their well-deserved recognition and wish them continued success in their valuable endeavors.
Related Articles:
Cyprus leads consultations on European shipping competitiveness, Marina Hadjimanolis says
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
4. BIMCO:
- BIMCO requests its members’ input on port restrictions affecting shipboard safety activities
On the 26th May 2026, BIMCO published a Survey requesting input on port restrictions affecting shipboard safety activities
According to BIMCO, there have been a number of reported cases in which ships have encountered restrictions, refusals, delays, additional conditions, or charges when seeking to conduct certain operational or safety-related activities during port stays or while at anchor. In light of these reports, BIMCO has initiated a limited scoping exercise to assess whether such experiences indicate a broader industry-wide issue. The activities concerned may include, inter alia, lifeboat and rescue boat drills, fire drills, enclosed space entry and rescue drills, main engine immobilisation, safety-critical maintenance, testing of safety equipment, hot work operations, and the attendance on board of riding squads or service technicians.
While it is recognised that ports and terminals may be required to manage legitimate safety, traffic, security, operational, and environmental risks, the inability to carry out safety-related activities during appropriate port or anchorage windows may have consequences extending beyond mere operational inconvenience. Such consequences may include the postponement of drills or maintenance activities, the need to conduct such activities at sea or under less suitable conditions, complications during third-party inspections, and increased pressures on crew workload and vessel operations.
Therefore, BIMCO requests its members to complete this questionnaire, in order to assist in determining whether further evidence-gathering, industry coordination, or engagement with relevant authorities may be warranted.
Related Articles:
BIMCO 26/05 - We need your input on port restrictions affecting shipboard safety activities
- New guidelines support safe uptake of wind-assisted propulsion
With the participation of BIMCO, the Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has issued new guidance aimed at strengthening Safety Management Systems (SMS) for vessels equipped with Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS), including rotor sails, suction sails and wing sails. The guidance has been published against a backdrop of increased focus on energy security, fuel cost volatility and the industry’s growing transition towards alternative and energy-efficient technologies.
This guidance provides a practical framework for the safe integration of WAPS into vessel operations and identifies key areas requiring consideration under existing SMS procedures. Particular emphasis is placed on risk assessment, operational safety and the management of impacts relating to manoeuvrability, visibility, maintenance and emergency preparedness for both newbuild and retrofitted vessels. Furthermore, it recognises that the adoption of wind-assisted propulsion technologies remains at an early stage and therefore, it further encourages companies to incorporate continuous learning processes within their SMS, including the reporting and assessment of WAPS-related non-conformities, near misses and hazardous occurrences. Finally, it highlights the importance of role-specific crew training to ensure safe and effective operation of such systems in the absence of dedicated certification frameworks.
For further information, the above-mentioned guidance may be found here.
Related Articles:
BIMCO 28/05 - New guidelines support safe uptake of wind-assisted propulsion
MTF-2026-1-ISM-guidelines-for-ships-using-WAPS-2026.pdf
- BIMCO Tanker Market Outlook: Oil Stock Rebuilding Could Lift Post-Conflict Demand
BIMCO has issued its Tanker Shipping Market Overview and Outlook for May, highlighting how the rebuilding of global oil stocks may support tanker demand growth once vessels can again safely transit the Strait of Hormuz.
The report noted the Strait has been effectively closed for three months, trapping hundreds of ships and thousands of seafarers in the Persian Gulf. Since the beginning of the Iran war, dirty and clean tanker cargo volumes have fallen 13 per cent year-on-year, with year-to-date volumes down 5 per cent, equating to declines of 340 million barrels in the dirty tanker market and 147 million barrels in the clean tanker market.
To counter the missing oil supply, oil stocks have been released at record pace. If the Strait remains effectively closed, oil stocks could reach critical levels by the end of September. The International Energy Agency has estimated that as much as 1 million barrels per day for three years may be needed to rebuild stocks once the waterway reopens. Saudi Arabia has maintained nearly 60 per cent of its pre-war exports and the UAE more than 70 per cent by diverting cargoes to Red Sea and Gulf of Oman ports, while spot freight rates in most key trade lanes have returned to levels similar to those recorded before the war.
Related Articles:
Hellenic Shipping News 29/5 – Rebuilding of oil stocks may support post-war tanker demand growth
Safety4Sea 28/5 – BIMCO: Oil stock rebuilding could lift tanker demand post-conflict
5. Updates on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz
Uncertainty continues to surround the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, which remains effectively closed despite ongoing diplomatic discussions and repeated public statements concerning a possible agreement between the United States and Iran. Throughout the week, developments have evolved rapidly amid renewed military activity, heightened political tensions and conflicting reports issued by the parties involved. As matters presently stand, the operational and security environment within the region remains unstable and subject to near daily change.
Limited transit activity in the Strait resumed. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated on 24 May that 33 vessels, including oil tankers and container ships, had safely transited the Strait with Iranian coordination. A supertanker carrying Iraqi crude to China left the Persian Gulf and crossed into the Arabian Sea, while the first Japanese-managed tanker since the onset of the conflict arrived in Japan on 25 May. A small number of oil and LNG tankers have also begun leaving the Gulf, with maritime data indicating vessels flagged in Singapore, the UAE, South Korea and Norway have resumed transiting the waterway. Analysts nonetheless indicated that a full reopening in 2026 remains unlikely and that full oil transit flows are unlikely to recover before the first half of 2027.
At the beginning of this week, developments concerning the Strait of Hormuz appeared to move in a more positive direction, with the United States indicating that progress had been made towards a potential agreement aimed at de-escalating tensions between the US, Iran and other regional actors.
However, as the week progressed, tensions escalated once again and the prospects of a finalised agreement became increasingly uncertain. This was followed by reports that the U.S. Navy had conducted airstrikes against targets in the vicinity of Bandar Abbas, Iran’s principal naval base near the Strait of Hormuz. The United States described the strikes as defensive in nature, targeting missile installations and Iranian vessels allegedly attempting to deploy naval mines within the waterway. Iran, however, characterised the strikes as a serious violation of the fragile ceasefire arrangements that had been in place for several weeks. By the latter part of the week, it became evident that no definitive agreement had been reached and that hostilities between the parties had resumed, further delaying any reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
On Thursday, 28th May 2026, it was announced that the US and Iran the two countries had reached an agreement on a framework on a 60-day memorandum of understanding to extend the ceasefire and launch negotiations on Iran's nuclear program, but President Trump has yet to give his final approval, two U.S. officials and a regional source involved in the mediation efforts told Axios. Iran has also not confirmed its acceptance.
According to media reports, the proposed arrangement would allow the resumption of unrestricted commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, include the removal of naval mines from the area, and provide for continued negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme alongside the gradual easing of certain sanctions. It was further reported that any such arrangement would remain subject to formal approval by both Washington and Tehran and had not yet been finalised. Despite the cautious optimism generated by these developments, the situation remains fluid and legally uncertain.
The signing of the MOU would be the most significant diplomatic breakthrough since the war started, but a final agreement would still require further intensive negotiations.
Related Articles:
Attachment 2: Reuters 27/05 - US strikes Iran again, official says, after Trump denies deal on Strait of Hormuz
Attachment 3: Reuters 26/05 - Iran says new US strikes violate ceasefire
Attachment 4: Reuters 23/05 - Iran's top negotiator says Tehran will not compromise in talks with US
Attachment 5: Reuters 24/05 - Trump says framework of Iran deal 'largely negotiated,' with provision to reopen strait
Attachment 6: Reuters 28/05 - Iran, US reach deal to extend ceasefire, pending Trump's approval
Attachment 7: TradeWinds 28/05 - US and Iran reported to have agreed tentative ceasefire extension — with no Hormuz tolls
Al Jazeera 29/5 – What’s happening on Iran war day 91 as US, Iran near 60-day deal
Safety4Sea 28/5 – Iran fires warning shots at vessels as renewed strikes deepen tensions
Safety4Sea 28/5 – Iran, U.S. dispute over reported draft deal sparking confusion
Safety4Sea 28/5 – Iranian missile likely used in attack on ship in Hormuz, Seoul says
Cyprus Mail 28/5 – Oil and LNG tankers leave Hormuz as Asia-bound energy flows slowly resume
Cyprus Mail 27/5 – Iran’s Hormuz grip raises legal questions as full reopening remains unlikely
Safety4Sea 25/5 – Iran lets 33 vessels pass through the Strait of Hormuz
Safety4Sea 25/5 – First Japanese tanker to transit Strait of Hormuz arrives in Aichi
US and Iran 'very close' to deal but 'not there yet', Vance says
U.S. and Iran reach deal but need Trump's approval, officials say
6. Shadow Fleet: Three Sanctioned Tankers Struck by Drones in the Black Sea off Turkey
Three tankers linked to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet were struck by suspected drone attacks in the Black Sea off Turkey’s northern coast on Thursday, 28 May. A Palau-flagged vessel was reportedly hit in its engine room while sailing in ballast approximately 80 kilometres north of the Turkeli district in Sinop, with twenty crew members on board. Another two Siera Leone – flagged tankers, linked to a Turkey-based operator according to sanctions-tracking sources – were targeted while conducting a ship-to-ship operation in a nearby area, although the drones aimed at them reportedly failed to detonate.
All three vessels appear on Western sanctions lists as part of the network of ageing tankers used to export Russian oil and evade sanctions. No casualties were reported and, as the vessels were empty and sailing in ballast, an environmental incident was averted, while Turkish coast guard units were dispatched to the area. No party immediately claimed responsibility, though attention centred on Ukrainian forces, which have conducted a series of maritime drone strikes against Russian-linked shipping. Ukrainian military intelligence has estimated that the shadow fleet accounts for up to 30 per cent of Russia’s seaborne oil exports.
Related Articles:
Maritime Executive 28/05 – Drone Attacks on Three Sanctioned Shadow Fleet Tankers in the Black Sea
The Week 28/5 – Drones hit 3 shadow fleet oil tankers off Turkiye’s Black Sea coast
United24media 28/5 – Three Tankers Struck by Suspected Drone Attacks in Black Sea
7. ESPO Warns EU ETS is Creating Carbon and Commercial Leakage
The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) has issued a statement warning that the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), while well-intentioned, is in practice hurting European ports’ competitiveness by creating both carbon leakage and commercial leakage, as shipping traffic diverts to non-EU transhipment hubs to avoid carbon costs. The statement is of relevance to shipowners operating within EU waters, as the EU ETS entered its full compliance phase for maritime transport in January 2026, following a two-year phase-in period.
Related Articles:
Port Technology 28/5 - ESPO urges EU to review maritime ETS impact on ports
Safety4Sea 28/5 – ESPO: EU-ETS creates both carbon and commercial “leakage”
8. Reports on piracy and other suspicious activities :
- UKMTO reports suspicious skiff activity in the Gulf of Aden
On 23 May 2026, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) received several reports of suspicious activity in the Gulf of Aden. In an advisory issued on 26 May, UKMTO stated that multiple vessels in the area had been approached by skiffs in circumstances deemed suspicious, where one report described a large skiff fitted with two outboard engines and carrying ladders and weapons.
Vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden are advised to exercise caution, maintain a high level of vigilance, and adhere to the guidance set out in the Best Management Practices for Maritime Security (BMP MS). Authorities have confirmed that investigations into the incidents remain ongoing, and shipping operators are encouraged to report any further suspicious activity to UKMTO without delay.
It should also be noted that, since late April 2026, there has been a renewed piracy threat off the coast of Somalia. The regional threat level was raised following an increase in reported piracy incidents between 21 and 26 April 2026.
Related Articles:
SAFETY4SEA 25/05 - UKMTO reports suspicious skiff activity in the Gulf of Aden
- Piracy: Djibouti Code of Conduct Chair Condemns Renewed Piracy Surge
The Chair of the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment (DCoC/JA) has expressed serious concern and strongly condemned the continued detention of three vessels currently held by pirates in the Western Indian Ocean and off the coast of Somalia.
The Republic of Palau-flagged tanker MT Honour 25, which was seized between 21 and 22 April near Hafun in the Puntland region, remains in captivity with seventeen crew members on board. Reports indicate that conditions onboard are deteriorating, with essential provisions running critically low. Further concern has been raised in relation to two additional vessels: the Saint Kitts and Nevis-flagged general cargo vessel Sward, hijacked on 26 April with fifteen crew members, and the Togo-flagged oil tanker MV Eureka, hijacked on 2 May with twelve crew members.
The Chair reiterated that while Somali piracy has previously been suppressed, it has not been fully eradicated, and the current incidents highlight the continuing risks in the region.
Related Articles:
Safety4Sea 27/5 – Djibouti Code of Conduct Chair condemns renewed piracy surge
- Recommendations
In light of the events referred to above, ship masters and crew are advised to report all incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships to the nearest coastal State and the vessel’s flag State, using the designated reporting channels set out in the relevant contact guidance for incidents in Asia. They are further advised to maintain vigilance at all times and to implement appropriate preventive measures in accordance with the Regional Guide 2 to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia issued by ReCAAP ISC.
Related Articles:
Safety4Sea 26/5 – ReCAAP ISC: One incident of armed robbery 19-25 May
9. EU and Mexico deepen long-term ties at a historic summit / EU – Mexico Trade Agreement
On Friday, 22nd May 2026, the EU and Mexico have taken a major step forward in their partnership by signing the Modernised Global Agreement (MGA) and interim Trade Agreement (iTA). At the 8th EU-Mexico Summit in Mexico City, both sides agreed to deepen their political and economic cooperation.
The EU was represented by President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Council António Costa, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, and Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič.
The Agreements will help strengthen political dialogue and cooperation between the EU and Mexico, creating opportunities in areas such as trade, investment and clean technologies, while reinforcing supply chains and supporting climate goals.
While, the EU and Mexico have a strong, long-standing trade relationship, already worth €100 billion a year in goods and services, the modernised Agreement is expected to boost the trade relationship between the EU and Mexico further, by making it easier to export and invest in each other's markets, as it creates:
- Increased opportunities for the EU agricultural sector, considering that Mexico is a net food importer with high tariffs;
- Stronger cooperation on the green and digital transitions, strengthening supply chains on critical raw materials;
- New possibilities for EU businesses to bid for Mexican government contracts on an equal footing with Mexican firms;
- New opportunities for services exports in key areas such as financial services, maritime transport, digital and professional services;
- Simpler rules for businesses, and increased regulatory cooperation between the EU and Mexico;
Moreover, the Agreement is set to promote sustainable development both in Europe and in Mexico, as it features:
- Legally binding commitments on labour rights, environmental protection, climate change, and responsible business conduct;
- A Joint Declaration on Trade and Gender Equality reaffirming the shared commitment to advance women's economic empowerment and rights; and
- A dispute settlement mechanism to enforce such commitments.
Both sides signed a Joint Declaration on the Circular Economy aimed at addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
Following the signature of the MGA and iTA, the EU and Mexico will now follow their respective procedures to ratify the Agreements. On the EU side, this means that the MGA will be subject to ratification by all Member states, following their national procedures. At the same time, the iTA will follow EU-only ratification processes as it falls under EU exclusive competences. This will require the consent of the European Parliament and the adoption of a decision on the conclusion by the Council, after which it will enter into force.
The iTA will expire once the MGA enters into force.
Related Articles:
European Commission 21/05 - EU and Mexico deepen long-term ties at a historic summit
European Commission 22/05 - The EU-Mexico trade agreements
EU, Mexico sign revamped trade deal amid Trump tensions | Euractiv
10. India, Cyprus deepen Strategic Partnership with focus on trade, maritime ties, India-EU FTA
On Friday, 22nd May 2026, Cyprus and India agreed to elevated their bilateral relations to a full Strategic Partnership.
During Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides's state visit to New Delhi from 20-23 May 2026 five Memoranda of Understanding and a technical arrangement were signed between the two countries.
President Christodoulides stated: “what began as a strategic vision is now evolving into a concrete partnership. A partnership already producing tangible results across key areas including security, defence, technology, innovation, maritime cooperation, education and economic connectivity.
I am very pleased that one of the today’s deliverables is the creation of a joint task force for cooperation in key sectors such as infrastructure, shipping and economic cooperation. At the same time, I am very pleased that, building on the Joint Declaration on the Implementation of our Strategic Partnership, agreed during the Prime Minister’s visit last year, our two countries signed today a series of Memoranda of Understanding and a roadmap to further deepen cooperation across strategic sectors”.
Related Articles:
India, Cyprus deepen Strategic Partnership with focus on trade, maritime ties, India-EU FTA
Joint Statement on the State Visit of the President of the Republic of Cyprus - Gov.cy
11. EU sanctions ‘extremist’ Israeli settlers
On the 28th May 2026, the European Council adopted additional restrictive measures against four entities and three individuals under the European Union's Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime. Those listed are considered extremist Israeli settlers and organisations which support them, and are responsible for serious and systematic human rights abuses against Palestinians in the West Bank.
With the aforementioned listings, restrictive measures under the EU’s Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime now apply to 136 natural and legal persons and 41 entities from a range of countries.
An asset freeze applies to the persons and entities listed, including a prohibition on making funds or economic resources available to them, either directly or indirectly.
Related Articles:
Extremist Israeli settlers: EU lists four entities and three individuals - Consilium
12. UK expands Russia sanctions regime – Key implications for maritime, energy and trade
On the 20th May 2026, the UK Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/543) (“Amended Regulations”) along with an Explanatory Memorandum came into force. In the light of this development, the International Group of P & I Clubs issued on the 28th May 2026 a circular which summarises the provisions of the Amended Regulations.
The Amended Regulations introduce a prohibition on the maritime transportation of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), strengthens the UK’s ship specification regime by introducing comprehensive service prohibitions for specified vessels, creates a new import prohibition on refined oil products processed from Russian crude oil, expands the lists of goods prohibited for export to and import from Russia, and introduces a prohibition on the provision of construction services to persons connected with Russia.
According to the Circular, some of the key takeaways for members:are
- Ban on maritime transport of Russian LNG, including third-country trades, with limited, time-bound exceptions and licensing arrangements.
- Expanded ship sanctions regime introducing wide-ranging prohibitions on services (e.g. technical, chartering, insurance) for specified vessels; scope now includes LNG and coal shipments.
- New UK import ban on refined oil products derived from Russian crude processed in third countries, with exemptions for diesel and jet fuel.
- Further trade restrictions introduced across industrial goods, chemicals, metals, and advanced technologies (including AI, quantum and semiconductors), with wind-down to 20 November 2026.
- Prohibition on construction services to persons connected with Russia, extending existing professional services restrictions.
- New restriction on transport assets, prohibiting acquisition linked to detained assets, designated persons, or Russia-connected parties.
- New prohibition on the import, acquisition and cross trade supply of Russian uranium and related services, subject to narrow exceptions.
Related Articles:
Russia sanctions: guidance - GOV.UK
UK expands Russia sanctions regime - Skuld
United Kingdom expands Russia sanctions regime - SAFETY4SEA
13. US TREASURY REPORT
The US Treasury Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 8: US Treasury Report for week 23/05/2026 – 29/05/2026
14. PIRACY REPORT
The Piracy Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 9: Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) Report, 29/04/2026 – 27/05/2026 (28 May 2026)
Nothing important to report from ECSA, IMO, ILO and the House of Representatives.