1. Ship managers suggest changes to IMO’s net-zero framework to avoid future legal action. Ship managers have expressed concerns in connection with the International Maritime Organization’s future net-zero framework and have suggested concrete changes which they believe would make the proposals more effective. Acting on behalf of the global shipmanagement sector, InterManager, the international association for ship managers, has submitted a proposal to the next meeting of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC83) to suggest important changes.
https://shipmanagementinternational.com/ship-managers-suggest-changes-to-imos-net-zero-framework-to-avoid-future-legal-action/
2. International Chamber of Shipping Statement following the conclusion of ISWG- GHG 18. Following a week of intensive greenhouse gas negotiations at the UN International Maritime Organization, Guy Platten, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping , emphasised the need for urgent progress ahead of the critical IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee in April
https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2025/02/25/international-chamber-of-shipping-statement-following-the-conclusion-of-iswg-ghg-18/
3. Joint Public Statement on shipping fuels in the Clean Industrial Deal. The Clean Maritime Fuels Platform, representing the European shipowners and the fuel suppliers, stresses the urgency of developing a European supply chain for clean shipping fuels.
An estimated €40 billion in annual investments required for European shipping alone up to 2050 according to the Draghi report.
https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2025/02/25/joint-public-statement-on-shipping-fuels-in-the-clean-industrial-deal/
4. UK freight association urges caution on potential of EU-UK trade reset. Steve Parker, BIFA director general notes that whilst the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and the UK is due for review in 2026, much of the preparatory work will be undertaken this year.
“There has been lots of speculation about the issues a reset might address, which has so far been characterised by warm words on both sides, but very little detail about possible policy changes.
https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2025/02/25/uk-freight-association-urges-caution-on-potential-of-eu-uk-trade-reset/
5. IMO interim guidelines agreed for training seafarers on green ships. IMO’s Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping has agreed on draft interim generic guidelines for training seafarers working on ships powered by alternative fuels and new technologies. These draft guidelines will be submitted to the Maritime Safety Committee for approval in June 2025.
https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2025/02/25/imo-interim-guidelines-agreed-for-training-seafarers-on-green-ships/
6. Port of Salalah celebrates milestone expansion of 2 million TEU. The APM Terminals-operated Port of Salalah has invested USD 300 million in expanding and ensuring readiness for the new network under the Gemini-cooperation. The investment has included upgrades to all six existing berths and an expansion of the yard. The expansion has moved the terminal from a capacity of 4.5 million TEU’s to 6.5 million and cements the Port of Salalah’s position as a key hub in the region with ideal access to the Middle East, the Indian Subcontinent and East Africa.
https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2025/02/25/port-of-salalah-celebrates-milestone-expansion-of-2-million-teu/
7. Trump Administration Proposes Massive Port Fees on Chinese-Built Vessels. The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has announced sweeping new measures targeting China’s growing dominance in global maritime sectors, including potential fees of up to $1.5 million per port call for Chinese-built vessels, $1 million per port call for operators of Chinese-built ships, and mandatory U.S.-flag shipping requirements.
https://gcaptain.com/trump-administration-proposes-massive-port-fees-on-chinese-built-vessels/
8. Ukraine’s Dry Bulk Exports Surge as Black Sea Corridor Proves Resilient. Three years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a dramatic shift in Black Sea shipping patterns has emerged, with Ukraine’s dry bulk shipments surging 87% year-over-year despite ongoing regional tensions, according to shipping industry association BIMCO.
https://gcaptain.com/ukraines-dry-bulk-exports-surge-as-black-sea-corridor-proves-resilient/
9. Who Really Controls the Panama Canal? The Truth Behind Trump’s Claims. With President Trump back in office, political rhetoric around expanding U.S. influence and securing key geopolitical assets has intensified. Recent claims about Chinese control of the Panama Canal and alleged discrimination against American vessels have stirred debate among shipping insiders and the public alike. During his January 2025 inaugural address, Trump alleged that “American ships are being severely overcharged and not treated fairly” and claimed “China is operating the canal.”
https://gcaptain.com/who-really-controls-the-panama-canal-the-truth-behind-trumps-claims/
10. ICS welcomes progress at IMO meeting on GHG reduction but warns much remains to be resolved. Following intensive negotiations at the IMO’s Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 18) last week, Guy Platten, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), emphasised the need for urgent progress ahead of the critical IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83) in April.
https://shipmanagementinternational.com/ics-welcomes-progress-at-imo-meeting-on-ghg-reduction-but-warns-much-remains-to-be-resolved/