24th January 2026 - 30th January 2026
LOCAL NEWS
1. SDM Circular No. 03/2026 – Safety and security of vessels under Cyprus Flag calling or approaching ports/countries where armed/civil conflicts take place
On Friday, 30th January 2026, the Shipping Deputy Ministry (SDM) issued Circular No. 03/2026, titled “Safety and security of vessels under Cyprus Flag calling or approaching ports/countries where armed/civil conflicts take place”, reiterating its recommendations to owners and operators of Cyprus-flagged vessels to avoid callings and transactions at foreign ports and/or countries where political instability and/or armed/civil conflicts take place (or are evidently imminent).
The Circular specifically addresses the ongoing volatile situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Israel, the Persian/Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Straits of Hormuz.
SDM strongly recommends that vessel owners and operators:
- Maintain increased vigilance and close communication with Port and Flag State authorities
- Utilize local sources of information (vessel agents, local authorities, Hull and Machinery, and P&I Protection providers)
- Carefully assess security-related situations at each port call or when remaining or transiting in territorial waters
- Exercise and implement contingency plans as necessary
- Contact the vessel's Protection and Indemnity Club/war insurer well in advance for any voyage in the area
Additionally, vessels operating in these regions are advised to report to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Voluntary Reporting Scheme and register with the Maritime Security Centre for the Indian Ocean (MSCIO) in accordance with industry Best Management Practices (BMP).
The relevant circulars (No. 03/2026 and 15/2025) are hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 1: SDM Circulars No. 03/2026,15/2025
2. Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis’s working visit to Brussels
Between 25 to 28 January 2026, Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis visited Brussels in the context of Cyprus assuming the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. During her visit, she presented the priorities of the Cypriot EU Council Presidency on maritime affairs to the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism, highlighting the importance of close cooperation with the European shipping sector and its institutional representatives to develop policies that enhance the sustainability of the industry without compromising its global competitiveness. The presentation was attended by Minister of Transport, Communications and Works Alexis Vafeadis and Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis.
Mrs. Hadjimanolis also met with the General Secretariat of the Council of the EU, where Mr. Peter Javorčík provided an update on current EU maritime issues. On the sidelines of her visit, she held a working lunch with Mr. Sotiris Raptis, Secretary-General of the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA). Mr. Raptis emphasized ECSA’s role as an institutional partner to the European Commission and Member States and the need for coordinated European policies that reflect the unique global nature of shipping. The meetings confirmed the shared commitment of Cyprus and ECSA to maintain a strong and competitive European maritime hub, and to continue structured dialogue on critical legislative and policy developments at the EU level.
Related Article:
SDM 25/01 - Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanoli’s working visit to Brussels
NewMoney 26/01 - Hadjimanoli – Rapti meeting in Brussels on the future of European shipping
StockWatch - Cyprus Presidency Sets EU Transport, Shipping Priorities
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
3. US deploys warships to Middle East - Will the ‘Houthi nightmare’ return for global shipping?
"A massive Armada is heading to Iran", US President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday, 28th January 2026. On the same day, a US official put the total number of US ships in the Middle East at 10. The figure includes the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier group, which boasts three destroyers and F-35C stealth warplanes. There are also six other US warships operating in the region - three destroyers and three littoral combat ships.
On Thursday, 29th January 2026, CBS the US has dispatched another warship to the Middle East. The network identified the warship as the USS Delbert D. Black, an Arleigh Burke-class Aegis guided missile destroyer.
As tensions between US and Iran intensified, according to maritime intelligence assessments, shipping in the Persian Gulf dipped sharply Wednesday, 28th January 2026. Ambrey Intelligence's Robert Peters claimed that "shipping companies have been advised to reduce aggregate risk when operating in the Arabian/Persian Gulf. "This means limiting the number of ships that could be exposed to retaliatory action, and sometimes ships will await further instructions closer to their next port in the Gulf," he said. "At this point, it is more appropriate to wait further away in case of an escalation."
In Iran, maritime authorities have issued navigational warnings to commercial shipping regarding a planned live-fire naval exercise in the Strait of Hormuz. The advisory was transmitted through maritime communication channels, including VHF radio. According to the warning, the naval firing exercise is scheduled to take place on Sunday and Monday, February 1–2. Ships transiting the area have been advised to exercise caution and follow issued safety instructions.
Furthermore, Washington’s deployment, has reportedly triggered a response from the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen. Regional analysts describe the current security environment as increasingly restrictive for maritime traffic. While Houthi operations against shipping were expected to subside following the Gaza ceasefire, the group has since issued warnings suggesting a reversal of that position. Houthi representatives have indicated that vessel attacks in the Red Sea would resume should the United States initiate military action against Iran.
Maritime security experts believe the renewed rhetoric is designed to signal political alignment with Tehran rather than reflect an immediate operational shift. According to Martin Kelly, Head of Advisory at EOS Risk Group, the Houthis have stepped up their messaging campaign, recently releasing a video portraying past attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The footage, marked only with the word “Soon,” has been widely interpreted as a warning to the shipping community. In a separate address, Houthi military spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree reiterated the group’s declared position as speculation grows over possible escalation involving Iran. He stated that Yemen’s population, leadership, and armed forces remain committed to supporting Arab and Islamic states facing what he described as Zionist aggression.
Related Article:
Attachment 2: TradeWinds 26/01 - Houthis issue veiled threat against shipping as US amps up Iran pressure
US sends another warship to Middle East amid Iran tensions: Report
Persian Gulf shipping dips as Trump positions military against Iran | Fox News
An Armada May Be On the Way to Iran, But It Has Not Yet Arrived
SAFETY4SEA 26/01 - Houthis threaten attacks on commercial shipping in new video
NewMoney 27/01 - Red Sea: Return to Suez faces new threats from the Houthis and a U.S. naval fleet
MonoNews 28/01 - Will the ‘Houthi nightmare’ return for global shipping?
U.S. sends additional warship to Middle East amid Iran tensions | Reuters
Iran Issues Maritime Warning for Live-Fire Naval Exercise in Strait of H - JFeed
4. Shipping through protected waters on the High Seas: The Thermal Dome as a case study for future ocean governance
On 17 January 2026, the legally binding UN Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement entered into force, marking a significant development in the governance of the high seas.
IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, welcomed the Agreement entering into force, stating: “The world has demonstrated that countries can come together with a common vision and build a framework to manage the ocean sustainably while ensuring its benefits are shared fairly amongst all humanity. Now we must continue working together to put these rules into action. IMO is ready to support the BBNJ implementation within IMO’s sphere of expertise.”
This Agreement establishes a global framework to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), including through the use of area-based management tools (ABMTs), environmental impact assessments, and enhanced cooperation under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). For international shipping, the BBNJ Agreement aims to reinforce the importance of aligning conservation objectives with existing maritime regulatory frameworks, particularly those administered by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). While shipping is already subject to robust international regulation, the Agreement may lead to the identification of additional protective measures in ecologically sensitive high seas areas, including routing measures, speed reductions, and monitoring requirements.
The Thermal Dome in the Eastern Tropical Pacific provides a case study for how such measures could be implemented with minimal disruption to shipping operations. The Thermal Dome is a dynamic upwelling system that brings nutrient-rich deep waters to the surface, supporting high primary productivity and a diverse ecosystem. Parts of the Thermal Dome lie in the high seas and intersect with major trans-Pacific shipping routes leading to and from the Panama Canal. Shipping activity in the area presents well-documented risks, particularly underwater radiated noise and ship strikes. Vessel noise is estimated to account for the majority of anthropogenic ocean noise, with demonstrable impacts on marine mammal behaviour and welfare. Ship strikes are also considered a significant concern, with collision lethality increasing substantially at speeds above 15 knots. Recent analyses indicate that a large number of vessels transit the Thermal Dome at speeds exceeding this threshold.
The BBNJ Agreement expressly provides that it should not undermine existing sectoral bodies, including the IMO, but should promote coherence and coordination. In this context, Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSAs), designated through the IMO, offer an established and legally robust mechanism for managing shipping risks in ecologically sensitive areas. Although no PSSA has yet been designated in the high seas, the Thermal Dome meets the relevant criteria, including ecological significance, vulnerability, and exposure to human activities. The MarViva SARGADOM Thermal Dome Project is advancing efforts to protect and manage the area, with Honduras leading the development of a PSSA proposal for the high seas portion of the Thermal Dome, supported by Guatemala, Panama, and Costa Rica. Capacity-building and awareness-raising initiatives are also underway to ensure that any protective measures are effectively implemented.
Industry engagement is essential to the success of such initiatives. In collaboration with Sofar Ocean, BIMCO has assessed the potential operational impacts of protective measures in the Thermal Dome using voyage simulation technology. Preliminary analyses indicate that route adjustments to avoid the area could be achieved with negligible impacts on fuel consumption and overall voyage costs on trans-Pacific routes. While further assessment will be required as discussions progress, this case study demonstrates how data-driven decision-making and early industry involvement can support the development of effective conservation measures in ABNJ. BIMCO stated that it remains committed to ensuring that the perspectives of the shipping industry are fully considered in discussions on high seas marine protected areas, and that any measures adopted are proportionate, practicable, and compatible with safe and efficient maritime operations.
Related Article:
IMO welcomes entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement
5. IMO: Shipping decarbonization moving forward despite framework delay and opposition
On Friday, 23rd January 2026, Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), told a new year’s press conference in London that the decarbonisation of global shipping is progressing, despite delays to the IMO’s Net Zero Framework (NZF). Mr. Dominguez emphasized that efforts to reduce emissions continue, urging all parties to focus on the proposals already on the table and maintain dialogue to prevent fragmented regulations, particularly regarding the EU’s emissions trading system (ETS). According to the Secretary General, governments remain committed to reducing shipping emissions by 20–30% by 2030 and achieving net zero around 2050, though high costs and limited supply of clean fuels may slow uptake. During the event, industry representatives, including Haralambos Fafalios of the Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee, highlighted practical challenges, noting that green fuel availability will initially be constrained, alternative fuels such as ammonia remain largely untested, and introducing new taxes without viable solutions risks imposing unnecessary burdens. Political interference, notably from former US President Trump, has further complicated consensus, delaying decisions and creating uncertainty for global regulatory alignment.
Dominguez has signalled a willingness to engage all stakeholders, but finding a compromise will be difficult while some parties remain unwilling to cooperate. In particular, Mr. Domiguez said he would continue to speak to EU member states, “to maintain the conversations in here, rather than move forward into fragmentation, because that will have a very detrimental effect in shipping”. “That would really create difficulties for operators, that would increase the cost, and everybody’s going to suffer from it,” he added.
For shipping companies, this environment means continued uncertainty over the timing and scope of global regulations, the potential for regional and international misalignment and a need to prepare for phased adoption of low- and zero-emission fuels. In practice, companies should anticipate incremental compliance requirements, invest in multi-fuel-ready vessels, and monitor evolving policy developments to remain competitive in a decarbonising market.
The IMO’s marine environment protection committee, in which governments discuss climate strategy, will meet in April although the Net Zero Framework is not scheduled to be officially discussed until October.
Related Articles:
SAFETY4SEA 26/01 - IMO: Shipping decarbonization moving forward despite framework delay
Attachment 3: TradeWinds 28/01 - Trump and Dominguez: the art of compromise
IMO head: Shipping clean up "has started" despite green deal delay
IMO SG to Green Fuel Producers: Don't Give Up on Us - Ship & Bunker
Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee slams industry’s decarbonisation plans — SMI DIGITAL
6. Draft workplan agreed on safety rules for battery, wind and nuclear-powered ships
During its 12th session, which met from 19 to 23 January 2026 in London, the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC) has agreed on a workplan to develop a safety regulatory framework for ships incorporating new technologies and alternative fuels aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The draft workplan will be submitted to the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 111) for approval in May 2026. The framework will address the development or amendment of safety regulations under the SDC’s remit, covering key emerging technologies such as nuclear power, wind propulsion and wind-assisted systems, as well as lithium-ion batteries and swappable traction battery containers. A detailed timeline has been established, setting out milestones to ensure the safe integration of these technologies in support of maritime decarbonisation.
In the same session, IMO decided to update rules that affect shipping companies across multiple operational and safety areas, including underwater noise, fire safety, inspections, and ship systems. Measures to reduce underwater radiated noise now have an extended implementation period until 2028, with guidance linking noise reduction to energy efficiency, and a study will establish baselines and inform future targets. Fire safety rules have been revised to clarify the safe use of fibre-reinforced plastics in ship structures. New standards for engine room alarms (ECRAM) will take effect from 2028, while updated safety rules for offshore drilling units (MODUs) will apply from 2027. The use of drones and robotic tools for ship inspections is now permitted, and goal-based standards for steering and propulsion systems are under development, with entry into force planned for 2032.
Related Articles:
IMO 29/01 - Draft workplan agreed on safety rules for battery, wind and nuclear-powered ships
Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC 12), 19-23 January 2026
IMO Starts Work on Safety Rules for Nuclear and Alternative Propulsion - Ship & Bunker
IMO: Draft workplan agreed on safety rules for battery, wind and nuclear-powered ships | AJOT.COM
IMO Sub-Committee on ship design and construction (SDC 12)
7. European Council adopts new sanctions over serious human rights violations and Iran’s continued support to Russia’s war with Ukraine
On the 29th January 2026, the European Council decided to impose restrictive measures on an additional 15 persons and six entities responsible for serious human rights violations in Iran, following the violent repression of peaceful protests, including the use of violence, arbitrary detention, and intimidation tactics by security forces against demonstrators.
The entities listed include among others the Iranian Audio-Visual Media Regulatory Authority (SATRA), Seraj Cyberspace Organization, the Working Group for Determining Instances of Criminal Content (WGDICC) and several software companies.
Restrictive measures related to human rights violations in Iran now apply to a total of 247 individuals and 50 entities and consist of an asset freeze, travel bans to the EU, and a prohibition to make funds or economic resources available to those listed. A ban on exports to Iran of equipment that might be used for internal repression, including equipment for monitoring telecommunications, is also in place.
The list of the sanctioned persons can be found in the Annex of Regulation (EU) 2026/267 of 29 January 2026 (link below).
Furthermore, the Council imposed restrictive measures on four persons and six entities under the EU dedicated sanctions regime, with a specific focus on the Iranian state-sponsored programme for the development and production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Today’s listings include Khojir Missile Development and Production, a leading entity in Iran's ballistic missile programme, and Sahara Thunder, an Iranian import-export trading company which acts as a front company for the Iranian Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics. The Council is also sanctioning other private companies supplying critical components to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) or having links to entities involved in Iran’s missile programme.
The individuals listed today include businessmen, CEOs and shareholders of private companies who are involved in the development and production of Iran’s ballistic missiles and are therefore engaged in Iran’s missile or UAV programme.
The list of the sanctioned persons can be found in the Annex of Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/262 of 29 January 2026 (link below).
Finally, the Council decided to extend the prohibition on the export, sale, transfer or supply from the EU to Iran to include further components and technologies used in the development and production of UAVs and missiles. This applies to special materials and related equipment, including energetic materials and mixtures thereof, materials processing, electronics, computers, telecommunications and information security, sensors and lasers, navigation and avionics, aerospace and propulsion as well as technology, designed or specifically adapted for the test, development or production of drones and missiles.
Despite concerns from some capitals that the Council’s decisions could lead to a complete breakdown in ties with Iran, Kallas told reporters that "the estimate is that still the diplomatic channels will remain open."
Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the agreement "does not mean that we should not continue to engage in dialogue."
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi criticised the EU ministers' decision. Europe is "making another major strategic mistake," the Iranian minister wrote on X, adding that "the EU's current posture is deeply damaging to its own interests".
Related Articles:
EU designates Iran's Revolutionary Guards a terrorist organisation in policy shift | Reuters
Implementing regulation - EU - 2026/267 - EN - EUR-Lex
Implementing decision - CFSP - 2026/265 - EN - EUR-Lex
Decision - CFSP - 2026/263 - EN - EUR-Lex
Implementing regulation - EU - 2026/262 - EN - EUR-Lex
Commission welcomes new sanctions against Iran - PubAffairs Bruxelles
EU lists Iran's Revolutionary Guard as terrorist organization | AP News
8. Trump threatens tariffs on goods from countries that sell oil to Cuba
On Thursday, 29th January 2026, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order laying the groundwork to slap tariffs on goods from countries that provide oil to Cuba.
The order, which ratchets up Trump’s pressure to topple Cuba’s government, declares a national emergency and establishes a process for the US secretaries of state and commerce to assess tariffs against countries that sell or otherwise provide oil to Cuba. The White House has yet to specify tariff rates for violating its new policy of blocking Cuba from buying oil.
A White House statement cited Cuba’s ties to hostile powers to explain the new tariff policy, citing the Cuban government’s alleged ties to Russia, Hamas and Hezbollah.
Trump’s executive order comes amid US pressure on Mexico to distance itself from Cuba.
This week, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said that her government had at least temporarily stopped oil shipments to Cuba, but said it was a “sovereign decision” not made under pressure from Washington.
Related Articles:
Trump threatens tariffs on goods from countries that sell oil to Cuba | Trump tariffs | The Guardian
Trump threatens tariffs on Canada planes and nations selling oil to Cuba
9. EU plans to impose 20th sanctions package against Russia on the 24th February 2026
On the 29th January 2026, , EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told reporters that the European Union aims to impose a 20th sanctions package against Russia on the 24th February 2026, the day marking the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "We aim to come out with this (sanctions package) on the 24th of February" Kallas said during a press conference.
Despite ongoing conversations among EU countries, Kallas said that an agreement on the sanctions package has not yet been finalized. "Countries are proposing different things ... the work is ongoing," she said, adding, without providing specifics, that proposals include a " full maritime services ban, and also issues on energy, energy sanctions and different fertilizers”.
Speaking to reporters on the 29th January 2026, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot called for a complete maritime services ban on Russia in an effort to halt the movement of Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" of oil tankers.
Related Articles:
Foreign Affairs Council: Press conference by High Representative Kaja Kallas | EEAS
EU plans to impose 20th sanctions package against Russia on Feb. 24, Kallas says
Putin should make concessions before direct talks with Europe, says Kallas | Euronews
10. US TREASURY REPORT
The US Treasury Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 4: US Treasury Report for week 24/01/2026 – 30/01/2026
11. PIRACY REPORT
The Piracy Report is not available yet.
Nothing important to report from ECSA, ILO and the House of Representatives.