20th June 2026 – 26th June 2026
LOCAL NEWS
1. The Deputy Minister of Shipping pays a working visit to Rome
On 21 June 2026, the Deputy Minister of Shipping to the President, Mrs. Marina Hadjimanolis, paid a working visit to Rome to participate in the Conference “Shaping the Future of Shipping Summit 2026 – Forging Partnerships for Resilience”, organised by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) in cooperation with CONFITARMA.
During the conference, the Deputy Minister participated in a high-level ministerial panel alongside her counterparts from Italy, Greece and Malta, where she highlighted the importance of cooperation, resilience and innovation for the future of global shipping. She also presented the key achievements of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the maritime sector, with particular emphasis on the competitiveness of European shipping, the green and digital transition, the human element, and the importance of maintaining a strong international regulatory framework under the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
On the sidelines of the conference, the Deputy Minister held bilateral meetings with the Minister of Shipping and Island Policy of Greece, Mr. Vassilis Kikilias, the Minister for Sustainable Mobility of Malta, Mr. Chris Bonett, the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport of Italy, Mr. Edoardo Rixi, and the Secretary-General of the IMO, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez. Discussions focused on strengthening maritime cooperation, enhancing the competitiveness of European shipping, the green transition, maritime safety and marine environmental protection. The Deputy Minister also met with representatives of EU institutions and international maritime organisations.
Related Articles:
SDM 21/06 - The Deputy Minister of Shipping pays a working visit to Rome
SDM 24/06 - The Deputy Minister of Shipping paid a working visit to Rome
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
2. IMO observes Day of the Seafarer 2026 and announces evacuation plan in the Strait of Hormuz
On the 25th June, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) observed the Day of the Seafarer for 2026, which under the theme "Carrying world trade. Carrying the risks", serves as a reminder that seafarers must never become collateral victims of geopolitical conflicts.
In a video message, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez underscored his appreciation for the 1.8 million men and women who work at sea, saying: "To all seafarers: thank you. Your work is essential to the functioning of the global economy and the daily lives of people around the world. While it may not always seem visible, your safety, security and welfare remain our highest priority."
In his own message, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said: “When nations clash, seafarers are often caught in the crossfire. Recent events in the Strait of Hormuz have seen tens of thousands of seafarers stranded as they work far from home to keep the world fuelled and fed… Mariners must never be the victims or pawns of geopolitical conflict.”
IMO’s slogan, "Carrying world trade. Carrying the risks." comes a day after the organization published, promulgated and publicised a navigational framework that aims to free more than 11,000 seafarers who have been stuck at the centre of a war since 28 February.
In particular, on 23 June 2026, IMO launched a coordinated evacuation plan for more than 11,000 seafarers remaining in the Persian Gulf region. The operation, developed in cooperation with coastal States including Iran and Oman, the United States and relevant maritime industry stakeholders, followed a peace agreement between Iran and the United States and was initially based on confirmed safety guarantees and navigational conditions. The framework established coordinated outbound routes through the Strait of Hormuz, aimed at reducing congestion, improving navigational safety and ensuring the orderly and secure evacuation of vessels, while fully preserving the shipmaster’s overriding authority in relation to the safety of the vessel, crew and cargo.
The IMO operation resulted in the successful evacuation of several vessels under controlled conditions, supported by national maritime security reporting centres and continuous coordination with relevant authorities. BIMCO and industry stakeholders welcomed the initiative and encouraged compliance with IMO guidance as an important step towards restoring maritime security and resuming normal commercial operations in the region. However, recent developments have introduced new operational uncertainty. Following an attack on a vessel in the Gulf of Oman, on the 25th June 2026 the IMO has decided to temporarily pause the evacuation programme pending further clarification of the security situation and reconfirmation that the necessary safety guarantees remain valid for all vessels in the region. The Secretary-General of the IMO, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, confirmed that the pause is a precautionary measure to ensure a coordinated approach and to maintain navigational safety across the wider area, particularly in light of incidents involving vessels not operating under the evacuation framework.
While the suspension may result in short-term delays and continued disruption to maritime traffic, the IMO has reiterated that the evacuation of stranded seafarers remains a priority. The Organisation continues to work closely with Member States, coastal authorities and the maritime industry to ensure that operations can safely resume once conditions allow. This situation highlights both the progress achieved through coordinated international action and the ongoing risks arising from geopolitical instability in critical maritime corridors. Shipowners are advised to continue closely monitoring IMO and maritime security advisories, as the operational environment in the region remains fluid, with implications for voyage planning, safety management and commercial continuity.
Related Articles:
IMO 25/06 - Day of the Seafarer 2026: Carrying world trade. Carrying the risks
IMO 23/06 - IMO announces evacuation plan in the Strait of Hormuz
Notice to Mariners issued by Oman (NAVAREA IX)
IMO 24/06 - Operational FAQs – IMO Strait of Hormuz Evacuation Plan
BIMCO 24/06 - BIMCO commends the IMO Strait of Hormuz Evacuation Plan
IMO 25/06 - IMO pauses evacuation in Strait of Hormuz following attack
Day of the Seafarer 2026: The Human Cost of Keeping World Trade Moving
Day of the Seafarer: “Carrying world trade. Carrying the risks” — SMI DIGITAL\
3. Iran re-closes Strait of Hormuz as Lebanon dispute threatens peace deal
According to CNN, the Strait of Hormuz has seen more traffic in the last week than it has in the past three months, with seventy-three vessels transiting the critical waterway on Wednesday, 24th June 2026.
However, on Friday, 26 June 2026, that has slowed down after Iran warned that ships should not be passing the strait along the Omanian coast and safe passage would be given to ships only via routes declared to Iran. That raised concern of future attacks as ships try to exit or enter the strait close to Oman.
On Thursday, 25th October 2026, Iran struck a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, compromising efforts to restore shipping through the narrow waterway and threatening to unravel peace talks with the U.S.
The attack came hours after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had warned ships that they must coordinate with its navy and travel through a designated route through Iranian waters.
As a result of the above developments, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains highly fluid. Despite diplomatic engagement between the United States and Iran, including discussions on ceasefire arrangements and maritime access, there remains no stable operational framework governing the Strait.
Shipowners operating tankers, LNG, LPG and other high-risk cargoes through the Strait of Hormuz face a persistently elevated risk environment. Key operational concerns include:
- Conflicting and evolving navigation instructions from different authorities;
- Uncertainty over permitted routing and traffic separation systems;
- Elevated security risks, including reported attacks and mine hazards;
- Potential imposition of administrative controls, fees, or pre-clearance requirements;
- Disruption to voyage schedules, charterparty performance, and insurance exposure.
Operators are advised to treat the Strait as a dynamic high-risk zone and to maintain continuous monitoring of IMO guidance, coastal State directives, and maritime security intelligence. Voyage planning should remain flexible, with contingency routing, war risk assessment, and contractual risk allocation reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Separately, Oman and Iran have agreed to establish a joint working group to negotiate the future management of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement issued by Oman’s Foreign Ministry following high-level talks in Muscat.
The announcement followed meetings between Omani officials and an Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. During the visit, the delegation also held talks with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi.
In a joint statement, the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the safe passage of vessels through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law, while emphasizing their sovereignty and sovereign rights over their respective territorial waters in the Strait.
Related Articles:
Ships took advantage of an opening in the Strait of Hormuz. But it may be closing | CNN Business
Iran Strikes Vessel in Strait of Hormuz, Pausing Escort Operations
Attachment 1: TradeWinds 20/06 - Iran re-closes Strait of Hormuz as Lebanon dispute threatens peace deal
Attachment 2: TradeWinds 19/06 - Iran moves to tighten control over Strait of Hormuz
SAFETY4SEA 22/06 - Trump warns of new strikes on Iran as Hormuz tensions escalate
Attachment 3: TradeWinds 25/06 - Iran threatens ships using ‘dangerous’ new IMO Strait of Hormuz route
Attachment 4: TradeWinds 25/06 - IMO halts Strait of Hormuz exodus after Evergreen container ship attacked
Attachment 5: TradeWinds 25/06 - Marco Rubio: If ships are being threatened, ‘that’s a violation of the agreement’ with Iran
Attachment 6: TradeWinds 22/06 - US agrees sanctions waiver for Iranian oil shipments as part of ‘free and open’ Hormuz
Attachment 7: Reuters 24/06 - Hormuz: Open, barely moving
Attachment 8: Reuters 25/06 - Iran, Oman stress need for coordination on Strait of Hormuz traffic in foreign minister call
Safety4Sea 24/06 - Oman and Iran agree on joint initiative on Strait of Hormuz management
Hormuz traffic flows despite ship attack as Trump accuses Iran of ‘foolish’ ceasefire breach
4. Council extends economic sanctions against Russia for another year, EU considers delaying the review or imposing a brand-new fixed cap,
Further to our Union’ last week’s report on the issue and, following the European Council decision on 18-19 June 2026 to extend the economic sanctions against Russia for twelve months, on the 25th June 2025, the European Council renewed until 31 July 2027 the EU restrictive measures, which cover key sectors, including trade, finance, energy, and dual-use technology.
They also cover a ban on the import or transfer of seaborne crude oil and certain petroleum products from Russia to the EU, transaction ban on several financial institutions and crypto service providers in Russia and in 3rd states and the suspension of the broadcasting activities and licenses in the European Union of several Kremlin-backed disinformation outlets. Additionally, specific measures enable the EU to counter sanctions circumvention.
According to the Press Release of the Council the EU will keep the current measures in place and stands ready to take additional measures.
However, an agreement on the 21st package of European Union sanctions against Russia remains mired in difficulty, with multiple obstacles and the public threat of a Bulgarian veto standing in the way of unanimity. On the 19th June 2026, EU Ambassadors met to discuss a revised text of the proposal tabled by the European Commission, however, no consensus was found, and talks are set to continue.
Brussels needs to have a deal by 15 July 2026 to avoid an automatic revision of the price cap on Russian seaborne oil, which is meant to be adjusted every six months to stay 15 percent below the average market price.
On Friday 26 June, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs outlined its positions on the new package of sanctions proposed by the Commission. The view of the Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs emphasises the need to continue to support Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia, especially through sanctions and customs duties, which weaken Russia’s economy and military capacity.
However, according to diplomats with knowledge of the process, Ambassadors are considering either delaying the review or imposing a brand-new fixed cap.
A diplomat noted that the Commission's original draft had already been "watered down" by derogations aimed at mitigating objections from different capitals.
Related Articles:
Oil, cod, Kirill: friction points emerge in new EU sanctions against Russia | Euronews
5. EU-US trade: Council gives final approval for the tariff commitments under Joint Statement, however Trump threatens new tariffs
On the 25th June 2026, the Council formally adopted two regulations implementing the tariff-related commitments set out in the EU-US Joint Statement of 21 August 2025. The adoption completes the legislative process and confirms the EU’s commitment to a stable, predictable and mutually beneficial transatlantic trade relationship, while preserving the necessary guardrails to protect European economic interests.
However, on Friday, 26th June 2026, US President Donald Trump threatened European countries, warning them not to implement a new digital services tax or risk a “100% tariff” on all their exports to the United States. Mr. Trump threatens to impose a “100% TARIFF” on the goods of any country that imposes a digital services tax on U.S. companies. “This TARIFF will supersede Trade Deals made with the Country, whether implemented, signed, or not,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.
He added that those tariffs “will be immediately imposed” should countries proceed with their digital-tax plans.
More than a dozen countries have imposed digital services taxes. Trump’s post singled out “Numerous European Countries” that he says are considering imposing the taxes.
Digital taxes were not part of the EU- US agreement and have remained a sticking point between the U.S. and the European bloc.
Related Articles:
Trump threatens 100% tariff on countries imposing digital services tax
Trump threatens '100% tariff' on Europe over digital services tax
6. European shipping and aviation sectors urge EU to channel ETS revenues into clean fuels
In a Joint Statement published on the 22nd June 2026, the European Shipowners (ECSA) and Airlines for Europe (A4E) have called on the European Commission to ensure that revenues generated under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), at both EU and national level, are reinvested to support the decarbonisation of shipping and aviation.
ECS and AE4 pointed out that the two sectors currently contribute significant amounts to the EU ETS, exceeding €11 billion annually. Despite this, stakeholders argue that these funds are not sufficiently redirected towards supporting the development and uptake of sustainable fuels and technologies, which remain significantly more expensive than conventional fuels (approximately four times higher for shipping and three to six times higher for aviation). The industry position is that a greater proportion of ETS revenues should be earmarked to bridge this cost gap and accelerate market availability of sustainable fuels. This would include direct investment to de-risk production, scale supply chains, and improve accessibility of alternative fuels for both sectors.
ECSA highlights that European shipowners are already investing heavily in decarbonisation, representing 44% of the global orderbook for fuel-flexible vessels. However, fuel availability in Europe remains limited, with Asia accounting for the majority of sustainable fuel production projects, while Europe represents only a small share. Less than 5% of European sustainable fuel production is currently directed towards maritime use. Similarly, Airlines for Europe notes that European airlines made substantial ETS contributions in 2024, with payments expected to increase significantly by 2030, yet these funds are not systematically reinvested into the technologies and fuels required for aviation decarbonisation.
Finally, the joint industry position is that without targeted reinvestment of ETS revenues, the transition to sustainable fuels in shipping and aviation will remain constrained, slowing down the decarbonisation objectives of both sectors and weakening Europe’s competitiveness in the global energy transition.
Related Article:
Σωτήρης Ράπτης (ECSA): Η ευρωπαϊκή ναυτιλία πληρώνει 10 δισ. δολάρια για τέλη ETS - Mononews.gr
Single Article - The Association of European Vehicle Logistics
Shipping and Airline Groups Urge EU to Reinvest ETS Revenues in Green Fuels - Ship & Bunker
ECSA calls for ETS revenues to fund maritime decarbonisation projects | Maritime Carbon Intelligence
Trump threatens 100% tax on European imports if countries impose tax on digital services | PBS News
7. Ukraine warns against plans to ‘shield shadow fleet from scrutiny’
Ukraine has stated that it will oppose any proposals to restrict access to ship tracking data, emphasising the importance of maintaining transparency to ensure proper scrutiny of unsafe and unlawful shipping practices. The comments follow a submission by the Russian Federation to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), in which Russia called for limitations on the availability of Automatic Identification System (AIS) data.
Russia argues that widespread access to ship tracking information increases operational risks, exposing vessels, cargo details and routing information to potential misuse by hostile actors. It has proposed that such information should be limited strictly to safety of navigation and search and rescue purposes. Ukraine has strongly opposed this position, stating that existing IMO frameworks already contain safeguards allowing for the protection of vessel information in exceptional security circumstances. It further argues that proposals to limit transparency could be misused to conceal unsafe or unlawful maritime activity, including operations involving so-called “shadow fleet” vessels. The Ukrainian position is that enhanced transparency remains essential for monitoring compliance with international maritime rules, particularly in the context of ongoing security concerns in regional waters and reported attacks on civilian shipping and port infrastructure.
The issue forms part of broader discussions within the IMO on the regulation of AIS and maritime security standards, including potential updates to post-9/11 security frameworks. These discussions are also influenced by growing concerns overshadow fleet operations, illicit trade, and evolving maritime security threats. The matter is expected to be further considered at the upcoming IMO Council session.
In this context, shipowners should be aware that any future regulatory changes relating to AIS data access, transmission or security protocols may have operational and compliance implications. Continued transparency requirements may remain in place, but there is also a possibility of enhanced security controls in designated high-risk areas. Operators are advised to monitor IMO developments closely and ensure that vessel reporting and tracking systems remain compliant with applicable international requirements.
Related Article:
Attachment 9: TradeWinds 23/06 - Ukraine warns against plans to ‘shield shadow fleet from scrutiny’
8. Managing geopolitical cyber security risks
On the 23rd June 2026 BIMCO published a paper aiming to give indications to shipowners whether national cyber security strategies can present a risk for their business in a context of geopolitical instability. The paper highlights that shipowners should not only assess the cyber security of their own systems but also understand the jurisdictions, ownership structures and security practices of their technology providers. The paper notes that geopolitical developments may affect the availability, integrity and security of critical digital services, particularly where suppliers operate in different regulatory or political environments. It therefore encourages shipowners to strengthen due diligence on technology providers, diversify critical suppliers where appropriate, and regularly review their cyber risk management framework to enhance operational resilience.
To reduce these risks, shipowners are encouraged to:
- Identify critical digital assets and the jurisdictions governing them;
- Conduct due diligence on technology and service providers;
- Avoid excessive reliance on a single vendor by diversifying suppliers where possible; and
- Regularly review cyber risk management and incident response procedures.
Related Articles:
BIMCO 23/06 - Managing geopolitical cyber security risks
9. US TREASURY REPORT
The US Treasury Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 10: US Treasury Report for week 20/06/2026 – 26/06/2025
10. PIRACY REPORT
The Piracy Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 11: Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) Report, for the period between 27/05/2026 – 24/06/2026
Nothing important to report from ILO and the House of Representatives.