CUS NEWS REPORT FOR WEEK 38 OF 2026

Particular reference was made to the significant challenges currently facing the shipping industry, including those arising from the constantly evolving European and international regulatory framework, the implementation of the EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime, the progress of the green transition, and geopolitical developments affecting the freedom and safety of navigation. At the same time, the need to maintain the international competitiveness of European shipping was emphasised, as was the importance of further strengthening the Cyprus flag and the Cypriot shipping cluster through close cooperation between the Union, the Government of Cyprus and the Shipping Deputy Ministry.

Among other announcements, Mr. Hajioannou announced the launch of a new website, CyprusFlag.org, developed in cooperation with the Shipping Deputy Ministry. The platform aims to provide comprehensive and easily accessible information on matters relating to the registration of ships under Cyprus flag. The website is designed to support shipowners and other stakeholders in the maritime industry by offering a concentrated source of information and guidance on matters related to operating under the Cyprus flag. The initiative represents a modern digital platform through which they can access relevant information on regulatory and operational matters concerning ship registration under the Cyprus flag.

The Annual General Meeting was also addressed by the Shipping Deputy Minister to the President, Ms. Marina Hadjimanolis, who highlighted the importance of cooperation between the State and the shipowning community for the further development and international strengthening of the Cypriot shipping industry.

The AGM was followed by a dinner in honour of H.E. the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, in the presence of the President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Constantine A. Tassoulas. The dinner was attended by senior figures from the political and governmental leadership of both countries, including the Vice President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Kostis Hatzidakis, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Constantinos Kombos, the Shipping Deputy Minister to the President, Ms. Marina Hadjimanolis, the Government Spokesman  of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Konstantinos Letymbiotis, representatives of the European Union, among them the Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Mr. Apostolos Tzitzikostas, and a Member of the European Parliament, Ms. Elisavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi, Ambassadors of the two states, as well as the Ambassador of the United States of America to Greece, Ms. Kimberly Guilfoyle.

The event was graced by prominent figures from the Greek and Cypriot shipping community, including Angelakos, Coustas, Daifa, Dragnis, Efstathiou, Fafalios, Goumas, Hadjiyiannis, Hajioannou, Inglessis, Kanellakis, Klerides, Koch, Kollakis, Laskaridis, Martinos, Melisanidis, Moundreas, Mouskas, Mylona, Paliou, Panagiotidis, Panagopoulos, Patitsas, Pittas, Procopiou, Saracakis, Souravlas, Stafylopatis, Stengos, Theocharakis, Tsatsakis, Tsavliris, Vafeias and Xylas shipping families, among others.

Related Articles:

Attachment 1: CUS Press Release (Greek and English versions)

NewMoney 21/09 - Ελλάδα και Κύπρος χαράσσουν κοινή ναυτιλιακή στρατηγική (pics)

GOV.CY 19/9 - Χαιρετισμός του Προέδρου της Δημοκρατίας κ. Νίκου Χριστοδουλίδη στο δείπνο που διοργανώνει η Κυπριακή Ένωση Πλοιοκτητών, στην Αθήνα, χθες

GOV.CY 19/9 - Ο Πρόεδρος της Δημοκρατίας παρέστη σε δείπνο που παρέθεσε προς τιμήν του η Ένωση Κυπρίων Πλοιοκτητών στην Αθήνα

GOV.CY 19/9 - Πρόεδρος της Δημοκρατίας – Δείπνο Κυπριακής Ένωσης Πλοιοκτητών - ΦΩΤΟΓΡΑΦΙΚΟ ΥΛΙΚΟ

GOV.GR 19/9 - Χαιρετισμός στο δείπνο που παρέθεσε η Κυπριακή Ένωση Πλοιοκτητών προς τιμήν του Προέδρου της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας Νίκου Χριστοδουλίδη

iEfimerida, 19/9 - Τασούλας: Οι σχέσεις Ελλάδας και Κύπρου είναι σχέσεις ιστορικές, αδελφικές και διαχρονικές

MonoNews 19/9 - Πόλυς Β. Χατζηωάννου: Η Κύπρος είναι το μεγαλύτερο κέντρο πλοιοδιαχείρισης της Ευρώπης

ΚΥΠΕ 19/9 - ΑΝΑΚΟΙΝΩΣΗ ΤΥΠΟΥ - ΥΦΥΠΟΥΡΓΕΙΟ ΝΑΥΤΙΛΙΑΣ

A key highlight of the visit was an international symposium jointly organised by the PNO and OMEPEGE–SEK to mark 20 years since the adoption of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC 2006). The symposium brought together important stakeholders from the Greek and Cypriot shipping communities, as well as representatives from the international and European maritime and trade union sectors. The event provided an opportunity to assess the progress made since the adoption of the MLC 2006 and to discuss the contemporary challenges facing seafarers and maritime labour.

Amongst the speakers was the President of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners, Mr. Polys V. Hajioannou, who highlighted the vital role of seafarers in the shipping industry. Mr. Hajioannou stressed that without seafarers, the global shipping sector could not operate, while drawing attention to the demanding and increasingly challenging nature of their profession. Technological developments, changing operational requirements on board vessels and the high level of responsibility placed on seafarers have added to the pressures of the job. He also referred to the additional challenges created by ongoing geopolitical tensions, which have increased risks for seafarers and, in some cases, have resulted in loss of life. Against this backdrop, he underlined the importance of protecting seafarers’ mental health, noting the stress associated with prolonged periods away from family, limited time ashore and the demanding conditions of life at sea. Mr. Hajioannou further emphasised that the safety and respect of seafarers are core values and a responsibility that must be upheld.

The participation of OMEPEGE–SEK and SEK in the Athens meetings underlined the importance of coordination and cooperation between trade unions and maritime stakeholders in protecting seafarers’ rights and promoting a shipping industry that places people at the centre. For Greece and Cyprus, two countries with a significant presence in the global shipping industry, safeguarding the wellbeing, safety and rights of seafarers, remains an important responsibility and priority.

Related Article:

Attachment 2: Mr. Polys V. Hajioannou Speech: Συμπόσιο για τα 20 χρόνια της MLC 2006 & τη Διακήρυξη των Δικαιωμάτων των Ναυτικών

MonoNews 21/09 - Χατζημανώλη: Χωρίς αξιοπρεπείς και ασφαλείς συνθήκες εργασίας, δεν μπορούμε να διασφαλίσουμε το μέλλον του ναυτικού επαγγέλματος

SDM 19/09 - Greetings from the Deputy Minister of Shipping, Mrs. Marina Hadjimanoli, at the event for the 20th Anniversary of MLC, September 18, 2026

MonoNews 19/09 - Ολοκληρώθηκε το διεθνές συμπόσιο για την υιοθέτηση Σύμβαση Ναυτικής Εργασίας

Mrs. Hadjimanoli also participated in an event organised by the Panhellenic Maritime Federation (PNO), in collaboration with the Cyprus Transport, Petroleum and Agricultural Workers' Federation, marking the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC 2006). On the occasion, she delivered a speech highlighting the importance of the Convention and its effective implementation. In her remarks, Mrs. Hadjimanolis expressed her support for the Cyprus Transport, Petroleum and Agricultural Workers' Federation and highlighted the significant progress achieved over the years. 

Finally, the Shipping Deputy Ministry hosted an event in anticipation of World Maritime Day under the theme “Women – Shipping – Social Contribution,” highlighting the role of women in shipping and the sector’s contribution to society. The event was held under the auspices of the First Lady of the Republic of Cyprus, Mrs. Philippa Karsera Christodoulides, and attended by the President of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners, Mr. Polys V. Hajioannou, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Stavros Avgoustides.

On the sidelines of these events, Ms. Hadjimanoli held a series of meetings with executives of shipping companies, with the aim of promoting the comparative advantages of Cyprus as an international shipping centre and highlighting the benefits and opportunities offered by the Cyprus Shipping Registry.

Related Article:

SDM 19/09 - The Deputy Minister of Shipping paid a working visit to Athens

SDM 19/09 - Greetings from the Deputy Minister of Shipping, Mrs. Marina Hadjimanoli, at the event for the 20th Anniversary of MLC, September 18, 2026

SDM 19/09 - Deputy Minister of Shipping Mrs. Marina Hadjimanoli will pay a working visit to Athens

The event was dedicated to women in shipping and their enduring contribution to social solidarity, support and service to fellow human beings. In her address, Deputy Minister of Shipping Mrs. Marina Hadjimanoli highlighted the evolving role of women in the maritime sector and their increasingly active and influential participation. In her address, she warmly welcomed the First Lady and expressed her gratitude for her continued support, as well as for placing the event under her auspices for another year. In response, the First Lady expressed her pleasure at attending the event and emphasised the vital role of women in the shipping industry, underscoring their significant contribution to both the economy and society at large.

Mrs. Hadjimanoli further expressed her appreciation to the President of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners, Mr. Polys V. Hajioannou, and to all members of the Association for their long-standing and substantial support for the initiatives of the Shipping Deputy Ministry, as well as for their significant contribution to society. Mr. Hajioannou reaffirmed the Association’s continued support for the Shipping Deputy Ministry and the Cyprus flag, while highlighting the increasingly important role of women in shipping. He emphasised that women are not merely participants in the maritime industry, but active contributors to its development and progress, making a valuable contribution to society and helping shape the future of the sector.

The event was further honoured by the presence of prominent women from the Greek shipping community, whose participation highlighted the growing and significant role of women across the maritime sector.

Related Article:

SDM 18/09 - Event on the theme "Women - Shipping - Social Contribution"

SDM 18/09 - Greetings from the Deputy Minister of Shipping, Mrs. Marina Hadjimanoli, at the event "Women - Shipping - Social Contribution", yesterday

NewMoney 18/09 - Οι γυναίκες αλλάζουν το πρόσωπο της ναυτιλίας – Η δύναμη της κοινωνικής προσφοράς

NewMoney 19/09 - Πόλυς Χατζηωάννου: Οι γυναίκες δίνουν στη ναυτιλία το πρόσωπο της κοινωνικής ευθύνης

Please note that failure to complete the confirmation of information in the BOR system by 31st December 2026, regardless of any criminal liability or prosecution of any person, the company or other legal entity will be subject to a fine of one hundred euros (€100) for the first day of non-compliance, and an additional fine of fifty euros (€50) for each subsequent day of continued violation, up to a maximum total fine of five thousand euros (€5,000).

We draw your attention to the official announcement for more details on this action.

Related Article:

RoC 16/09 - Confirmation of Beneficial Owners' Information in the Beneficial Ownership Register System for the Year 2026

In the light of the inability to reach a consensus, the EU Ambassadors agreed to extend sanctions on thousands of Russian individuals and firms for another week, until the 22^nd September 2026. “In order to allow additional time for member states to comprehensively examine proposals for the renewal, Coreper has agreed to prolong the regime by a period of 7 days,” a spokesperson for the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU said in a statement on Monday,14^th September 2026.

On Friday, 18^th September 2026, Coreper once again failed to reach agreement on extending the European Union's sanctions against Russia. In the meeting, Luxembourg raised the stakes further, stating that if France succeeds in delisting Usmanov, Mikhail Fridman, who is suing the Grand Duchy over his frozen assets, should be delisted as well, raising fears of a domino effect among member states.

Coreper will meet again on Monday 21 September 2026, a day before the sanctions are due to expire.

Related Articles:

EU countries extend Russia sanctions amid latest oligarch stand-off | Euractiv

EU sanction deadlock deepens as Luxembourg complicates the picture | Euronews

EU fails to agree on extending sanctions against Putin and Lavrov | Ukrainska Pravda

There are also differing views on the proposed incentives for zero- and near-zero-emission fuels and technologies.

According to BIMCO, the differences on these fundamental issues remain significant, making agreement on a revised framework by MEPC 85 challenging.

Further discussions will take place at ISWG-GHG 23 from 23–27 November 2026, ahead of MEPC 85, scheduled for 30 November–3 December 2026. While agreement at MEPC 85 may prove challenging, negotiations are expected to continue beyond the December meeting and into 2027.

The Cyprus Union of Shipowners will continue to monitor developments on the IMO Net-Zero Framework.

Related Articles:

BIMCO 10/09 - The IMO GHG working group – a BIMCO account

SHOHAM 11/09 - IMO GHG Working Group Deliberates Net‑Zero Framework Amid Diverging Views

The organisations called on EU Member States to support the inclusion of the two facilities, noting the investments made to upgrade their infrastructure, safety systems and environmental management and arguing that their inclusion should be assessed against the requirements of the EU Ship Recycling Regulation and the relevant inspection findings.

On 15 September 2026, a separate group of organisations representing environmental, recycling, steel and trade-union interests called on the European Commission to reject the proposed inclusion. Their concerns focus principally on the beaching method used by the facilities, environmental and safety risks, regulatory enforcement and the potential impact on European ship recycling facilities and the wider circular economy.

The two positions therefore reflect a wider debate concerning the appropriate standards for ship recycling facilities in third countries, the interpretation and application of the EU Ship Recycling Regulation and the need to ensure sufficient compliant recycling capacity.

Our Union will continue to monitor developments concerning the European List of Ship Recycling Facilities.

Related Articles:

ECSA 17/09 - Open letter to EU ministers to support the inclusion of Indian ship recycling yards on the European List

World Shipping Council 17/09 - Open Letter to the Environment and Transport Ministers of the European Union

Recycling Europe 15/09 - Joint Letter: Call to reject Indian beaching yards from the EU Ship Recycling List

During the meeting, the Houthis assured US officials that they had no intention of attacking US shipping in the Red Sea, saying their restrictions would apply only to vessels linked to Saudi Arabia. On Monday, 14^th September 2026, a day after the meeting, Vice President Vance told reporters that the U.S. is negotiating with the Houthis.

The meeting helps to explain Donald Trump’s decision to condemn the Houthi advance down the west coast of Yemen for threatening freedom of navigation through the Bab al-Mandab strait, but so far to reject any military response in support of Riyadh. Former deputy US ambassador to Yemen, Nabeel Khoury, said a “kind of tacit understanding” had been struck between the Trump administration and the Houthis. Khoury added: “The Houthis are promising the American administration that American and international navigation will not be affected in the Red Sea, but the only danger is to Saudi ships or those carrying Saudi oil.”

According to the US publication Axios Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called Donald Trump twice last week, urging him to launch strikes against the group, however the US President offered no specific military commitment and the White House announced no explicit guarantee that the US would defend Saudi energy infrastructure or shipping routes.

Axios also reported that the military chiefs of Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan and Egypt attended a private gathering convened by the US.

A meeting of the UN security council on Tuesday, 15^th September 2026 condemned any attempt to close the Red Sea, but the meeting was notable for the Russian envoy beginning to edge away from its previous stance that the UN-recognised government based in Aden was the only legitimate government inside the country.

In Beijing, the Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, on Wednesday, 16^th September 2026, met his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in an effort to secure support for its plans for the future administration of the strait of Hormuz. The strait remains closed owing to separate Iranian and US blockades. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said China did not want to see further regional tension spill over into Yemen and the Red Sea. The Chinese called on the US to return to the talks based on the memorandum of understanding agreed between the two sides in June.

As yet, maritime traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has not been significantly reduced. According to news agency Reuters, on Saturday, 12^th September 2026, 24 ships passed through it and on Sunday, 13^th September 2026, 27 did so. That is around the same as the 10-day average, with Houthis appearing to want to signal that their plan is not stop traffic altogether.

Related Articles:

As Houthis grab Bab al-Mandeb, US appears willing to watch from sidelines | Houthis News | Al Jazeera

U.S. diplomats meet with Houthis as Red Sea crisis intensifies

How the Houthis are also putting Egypt under pressure

US opts not to back Saudi Arabia in Yemen after meeting Houthi leaders | Yemen | The Guardian

Related Articles:

Expansion of Black Sea war-risk zone could raise insurance and freight costs

London's marine insurers widen Black Sea high risk zone as shipping attacks surge | live

London Expands Black Sea High Risk Zone Amid Shipping Attacks

• The European Union will invest in the Middle Corridor connecting the South Caucasus and Central Asia directly to the European market to diversify routes, triple trade flows and slash freight transit times by 2030.
• EU will continue increasing pressure on Russia through sanctions and combatting sanction circumvention.
• The European Commission president offered to create a tailor-made status of "associate membership" to bring Canada ever closer to the bloc. She hailed the dawn of an "alliance for the future" to deepen EU-Canada cooperation in areas such as economic security, intelligent manufacturing, cutting-edge technology, defence, energy, critical minerals and batteries, as well as the Arctic region. However, details of what "associate membership" would mean in practice were left unsaid. It remains unclear how it would fit in the current structures of the EU treaties.
• The Commission is set to present a new climate resilience framework next month, already expected, that will identify 100 of the bloc's most vulnerable territories, assess their risks and determine the appropriate level of responsibility for managing them.
• Ms. Von der Leyen promised to complete the historic overhaul of the single market by next year, on the basis of the One Europe, One Market roadmap. “For us, this must mean removing the barriers companies and consumers face today. One immediate test is territorial supply constraints, which prevent retailers and wholesalers from sourcing freely across Europe and leave consumers with higher prices and less choice. The Commission should deliver effective legislation with no further delay”,  Ms. Von der Leyen stated.

Related Articles:

2026 State of the Union Address by the President

Main initiatives 2026 - European Commission

State of the Union: Five takeaways from Ursula von der Leyen's speech | Euronews

State of the Union 2026: the Single Market now requires practical delivery - EUbusiness.com | EU news, business and politics