CUS NEWS REPORT FOR WEEK 45 OF 2026

The presentation also emphasized the registration of 119 vessels since the beginning of 2026, representing more than 2.4 million GT. Cyprus-flagged fleet capacity has increased by approximately 27% since September 2023, while Deputy Ministry revenue rose by 17.5% over the past three years. These figures support the stated priorities of developing a high-quality register, strengthening the maritime ecosystem and maintaining an efficient administration.

Furthermore, the review for 2026 highlights the following developments / achievements:

• The Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
• The 2nd Regular Meeting of the Advisory Committee for Enhancing the Competitiveness and Quality of the Cyprus Flag.
• Redesigning of the network of independent surveyors.
• The 1st meeting of the Cyprus-India Joint Maritime Committee.
• The 9th Trilateral Ministerial Meeting of Cyprus, Greece and Malta, with the participation of Italy.

Finally, the Report indicates the Ministry’s actions under implementation, which include:

• The establishment of a Shipping Limited Liability Company.
• The National Strategy for the development and promotion of cruise tourism in Cyprus.
• The implementation of policies to attract and develop services related to the shipping sector.
• The full digitalization of the services provided by the Deputy Ministry of Shipping.
• The extension of the agreement for the maritime passenger link between Cyprus and Greece.

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The visit marked important milestones in Cyprus’ relations with all three countries, including the first dedicated shipping event organised by the Shipping Deputy Ministry in Tokyo, bilateral discussions with China’s Minister of Transport on the sidelines of the North Bund Forum in Shanghai, and participation in the 2026 World Maritime Day Parallel Event and Korea Maritime Week in Busan. Particular emphasis was placed on strengthening institutional cooperation, promoting the Cyprus Register of Ships and advancing collaboration in sustainable and innovative shipping. The Deputy Minister also held bilateral meetings with Norway’s Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy and India’s Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, further reinforcing Cyprus’ wider international maritime partnerships and laying the groundwork for future cooperation.

Discussions with India covered preparations for her forthcoming official visit and the Cyprus-India Maritime Business Forum in Mumbai on 23 November. The article includes a summary published this week as the visit itself took place in October.

Overall, the visit contributed to strengthening Cyprus’ diplomatic and economic ties, enhancing its visibility in key international shipping markets and reaffirming its commitment to building strong international partnerships and consolidating its position as a leading global maritime hub.

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Discussions addressed fuel efficiency, alternative fuels, emerging technologies, greenhouse gas emission reductions and the potential role of nuclear technology in maritime transport. Participants also highlighted the importance of harmonised global regulations and reaffirmed their support for the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as the global regulator of international shipping. Digitalisation, data exchange and reducing administrative burdens were also key topics.

According to BIMCO, the Tripartite forum continues to contribute to the development of practical solutions and recommendations on technical, safety, environmental and digitalisation matters, supporting the work of the IMO and the sustainable development of the maritime industry. The next Tripartite Meeting is scheduled to take place in China in the fourth quarter of 2027.

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All interested stakeholders with experience in the implementation, operation or use of MSW systems are invited to participate.

BIMCO encourages its members to respond by 30 November 2026. The survey is open to stakeholders with experience of implementing, operating or using these systems, and requires information on the country and stakeholder category. A follow-up survey is envisaged for 2028 to assess subsequent progress.

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On Friday, 6^th November 2026, President Donald Trump and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani discussed regional tensions, diplomacy and protecting maritime routes. State-owned Qatar News Agency said the leaders reviewed the strategic U.S.-Qatar relationship and discussed opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation. Sheikh Tamim highlighted Qatar-led initiatives and emphasized continued dialogue and diplomacy to prevent regional escalation, preserve freedom of maritime navigation and protect energy supplies.

According to a Reuters report, Iran has sent Washington a nuclear proposal through Qatar, but says discussions can begin only after the U.S. meets its seven demands, including lifting sanctions, releasing frozen assets and paying war reparations. Tehran has also threatened to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed, while Washington insists nuclear issues must feature in initial negotiations.

The call came one day after Trump said he was considering whether to resume major military operations against Iran, maintain economic pressure or pursue negotiations.

In the meantime, international reactions have highlighted concerns over further escalation. China has called for a diplomatic solution, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasising dialogue, respect for Iran’s sovereignty and the protection of regional energy supplies and international shipping routes. Beijing is also seeking to strengthen its diplomatic involvement, with plans for its special envoy to visit Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia. Similarly, Russia has expressed serious concern over the prospect of renewed military action and called for greater diplomatic efforts. President Vladimir Putin has also maintained contact with Iranian officials, reiterating Moscow’s support for a diplomatic resolution.

Despite ongoing diplomatic engagement, prospects for an agreement remain uncertain, with disagreements over US sanctions, the blockade of Iranian ports, access to the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear programme continuing to hinder progress. The situation remains a source of concern for the international maritime community, given the potential implications for regional stability, global energy supplies and the security of international shipping, particularly in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

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In response, NATO is strengthening its maritime security presence through additional patrol aircraft, surveillance drones, radar capabilities and improved intelligence-sharing among regional allies. On 5 November, France also confirmed the extension of its Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft deployment in Romania, which is monitoring the western Black Sea and providing early warnings of potential threats to shipping. Romania is also investing in stronger maritime surveillance, radar, mine detection and counter-drone capabilities, while reinforcing cooperation with Bulgaria and Turkey.

Despite these measures, the risk to commercial shipping remains significant. Shipowners operating in the region are advised to maintain heightened vigilance, closely monitor security advisories and regularly reassess voyage risk assessments, particularly when navigating near Ukrainian ports and Romanian and Bulgarian waters.

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Despite the announcement, the specific conditions governing vessel eligibility and transit procedures have not yet been officially confirmed. Furthermore, ongoing security threats and recent attacks against commercial shipping in the region continue to raise concerns.

For shipowners and operators, these developments could provide additional opportunities for vessel movements through the Strait. Nevertheless, uncertainty surrounding implementation, transit costs and maritime security means that the reported exemptions should not be regarded as a guarantee of safe passage.

Furthermore, whether ships will be able to get past the US blockade depends on Washington. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said that the blockade applies to “all vessels of all nations entering or leaving coastal areas or ports in Iran”, while vessels avoiding Iranian ports are not affected. It has also said humanitarian shipments, including “food and medical supplies essential for the survival of the civilian populations”, can pass after inspection.

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The proposal has also highlighted differing views within the shipping industry. While environmental organisations and recycling industry representatives oppose the inclusion of the two facilities, major shipping associations, including ECSA, have supported their approval, arguing that the yards have undergone extensive inspections and invested in meeting the required environmental and safety standards. They also emphasise the importance of expanding the availability of compliant ship recycling facilities worldwide.

The committee’s objection is not yet a final decision. The matter is expected to proceed to a European Parliament plenary vote towards the end of November 2026, while EU Member States will also have a role in the final decision.

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The relevant fixed monetary fines under Article 20 of Environmental Law No. 2872 are increased annually under Article 17(7) of Misdemeanours Law No. 5326, using the revaluation rate determined under Repeated Article 298(B) of Tax Procedure Law No. 213 and announced by a Tax Procedure Law General Communiqué. The Turkish Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change publishes the updated fine amounts

The revised tariffs, expected to remain in force throughout 2027, reflect the latest inflation-related adjustment.

The increased penalties will apply to various forms of ship-source pollution, including oil and petroleum product discharges, dirty ballast, sewage, garbage, wash water and violations of marine fuel sulphur limits.

Particular attention should be given to the Sea of Marmara Special Environmental Protection Area, including the Istanbul Strait, Çanakkale Strait and İzmit Bay, where pollution fines are doubled. Additional penalties also apply to vessels owned by corporate entities, repeat violations within a three-year period and the discharge of hazardous substances, which can attract fines up to ten times the applicable basic oil pollution penalty.

In view of the increased financial exposure, Vitsan advises shipowners, operators and crews to reinforce onboard pollution-prevention measures. Recommendations include securing deck scuppers, checking overboard discharge valves and pipelines, preventing unauthorised discharges, properly securing garbage and documenting relevant inspections and crew instructions in the deck logbook. The existing prohibition on scrubber wash water discharges in Türkiye is also reiterated.

The forthcoming increase highlights the importance of strict compliance with environmental regulations and effective pollution-prevention procedures, particularly for vessels navigating or calling at Turkish ports. Operators are encouraged to review their onboard procedures and ensure that crews are fully aware of the applicable requirements ahead of the new penalties taking effect.

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Opening the session on 2 November, the Secretary-General highlighted attacks on merchant shipping and the protection of seafarers across several conflict areas. He also drew attention to piracy and armed robbery in the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden.

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Britannia P&I stresses the importance of taking immediate action to preserve all relevant evidence, including Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) recordings, ECDIS tracks, AIS data, communications and photographic or video records of damage. Crew members should also provide factual accounts of events, while shipowners should promptly notify relevant insurers, including P&I, Hull and Machinery and War Risks underwriters, as well as other affected parties.

The guidance further highlights the potential complications in determining whether losses fall under war risks or conventional marine insurance coverage.

Britannia P&I also advises against premature or unverified statements to charterers, cargo interests, authorities or the media, as inaccurate initial accounts may complicate subsequent investigations and claims.

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Meanwhile, analysis by the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, reported by Safety4Sea on 5 November, supports predetermined annual greenhouse gas fuel-intensity targets extending through at least 2040, combined with narrowly defined reviews. The Center argues that predictable requirements would strengthen investment incentives for low-emission fuels, vessels and infrastructure.

For shipowners, unresolved rules complicate decisions on newbuildings, fuel technologies and retrofits, including their future compliance costs. Further negotiations are scheduled for 23–27 November, followed by MEPC 85 from 30 November to 3 December 2026.

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The Commission identifies further work on maritime awareness, joint capabilities and public-private cooperation as priorities. The report assesses implementation of the existing strategy; it should be distinguished from a new sanctions package or a new set of operating requirements for commercial vessels.

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The challenge to restrictions on ships certified by the register entering EU ports and locks was rejected as inadmissible. The ruling therefore does not amount to a general lifting of the restrictions affecting the register or the vessels concerned. The distinction between recognition and the remaining prohibitions is central to understanding the judgment.

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Following the above mentioned meeting, Ms. Albuquerque announced that the EU will bolster its sanctions work, from drafting new measures to preventing circumvention, with a dedicated office. The dedicated office "will strengthen coordination, provide faster guidance to Member States and improve data sharing and analysis," Albuquerque said.

"In this way, we can present a more united front on the global stage, engage better with our G7 and likeminded partners, and deliver stronger impact and more effective implementation within the EU and outside," Albuquerque stated.

With the dedicated office, the idea is "that we can continue to maximize (sanctions') impact on Russia itself," European Commission spokesperson Siobhan McGarry told the Kyiv Independent at a press conference on the 6^th November 2026.

Alongside the new EU sanctions office, Albuquerque also announced the launch of a task force dedicated to cryptocurrency sanctions, an area where the EU has been rolling out progressively more restrictions.

"Crypto is a tool that has been used to circumvent our sanctions," McGarry said, explaining that the task force will bring together national and EU experts to design measures that will close off those loopholes.

An EU diplomat told the Kyiv Independent the task force is initially envisaged to work for 12 months and will draw on expertise from third countries like Ukraine and the U.K., the latter of which has also drawn up extensive sanctions targeting the crypto industry.

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The Summit concluded with the adoption of the Joint Statement: Canada and the European Union building together an Alliance for the future (the Joint Statement) on the 30^th October 2026, formally launching the Canada-EU Alliance for the Future (the Alliance), an initiative aimed at creating a common prosperity and economic security space and deepening cooperation across a range of strategic areas.

The initiatives aimed at deepening Canada-EU cooperation, include:

• Trade and regulatory cooperation. Canada and the EU will develop sectoral road maps for strategic industries, establish a Canada-EU business council, address bilateral trade barriers and explore cooperation on industrial-policy funding and e-commerce. The parties also concluded substantive negotiations on a Digital Trade Agreement, complementing CETA, and a second-generation Competition Agreement to strengthen cooperation between their competition authorities.
• Critical minerals. Canada and the European Investment Bank have concluded negotiations on an agreement intended to facilitate European investment in Canadian critical raw materials. Canada and the EU will also support investment across the critical-minerals value chain, including extraction, processing, refining, manufacturing and recycling, and explore potential stockpiling mechanisms and projects in third countries.
• Energy and infrastructure. Canada and the EU will assess long-term energy connectivity, investment and offtake arrangements, including through a joint feasibility study on Canadian LNG exports to Europe. They will also pursue cooperation on grids, energy storage and the protection of energy infrastructure, while continuing work to modernize the Canada-Euratom Nuclear Cooperation Agreement.
• Transport and supply chains. The parties will pursue gateway-to-gateway cooperation between Canadian and European ports, including Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic routes, and cooperation on maritime and multimodal supply chains, transport infrastructure, decarbonization, digitalization and automation. A new dedicated Canada-EU dialogue on transport is also being launched.
• Financial services and payments. Canada and the EU will pursue closer integration of financial markets and greater cross-border access to financial services. They will also support work toward connecting their instant-payment systems to facilitate faster and lower-cost cross-border transactions.

Canada and the EU also committed to defining, by the 2027 Canada-EU Summit, the concept of an “ever-closer association” of Canada with the EU, short of full membership.

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