1. Global shipping community reaffirms support for seafarers with groundbreaking updates to ILO’s Maritime Labour Convention. MLC updates agreed between Governments, shipowners and unions set to enter into effect in 2027, after intense week of negotiations at the International Labour Organization headquarters in Geneva.
https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2025/04/15/global-shipping-community-reaffirms-support-for-seafarers-with-groundbreaking-updates-to-ilos-maritime-labour-convention/
2. Atlantic shipping emissions cut agreed, but IMO scrubber ban delayed. As a meeting of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83) closes today, the Clean Arctic Alliance welcomes member states’ approval of a proposal for a new North-East Atlantic emission control area, scheduled to enter into force in 2027, which will lower emissions from ship operating in the region, including in the Arctic. Emission Control Areas (ECAs) are designed to reduce atmospheric pollutants from ships by requiring more stringent controls on fuels and engines.
https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2025/04/15/atlantic-shipping-emissions-cut-agreed-but-imo-scrubber-ban-delayed/
3. Trump’s tariff measures prompt boycott of Starbucks and McDonald’s: Following the case of Tesla? In a rapidly evolving global market, major U.S. dining chains like Starbucks and McDonald’s are facing a new wave of challenges as anti-American sentiment emerges due to President Donald Trump’s tariff measures. This sentiment, fueled by political tensions and economic policies, poses a significant risk to these companies’ overseas operations, which constitute a substantial portion of their revenue.
https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2025/04/15/trumps-tariff-measures-prompt-boycott-of-starbucks-and-mcdonalds-following-the-case-of-tesla/
4. Stowaways in Africa. Owners have a clear interest in preventing stowaways from coming onboard, and boarding vessels at African ports remains one of the stowaways’ most commonly used methods. The adoption of the ISPS Code by many West African states has not yet been effective in avoiding stowaways.
https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2025/04/15/stowaways-in-africa/
5. NYK reveals new dry bulk player via triple merger. Japanese shipping line Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) is rolling out a new player in the dry bulk sector through a merger of three of its shipping and shipmanagement subsidiaries.
Asahi Shipping, Hachiuma Steamship and Mitsubishi Ore Transport are set to combine into NYK Bulkship Partners.
https://splash247.com/nyk-reveals-new-dry-bulk-player-via-triple-merger/
6. CMA CGM buys into Egyptian inland port. French shipping and logistics giant CMA CGM has agreed to buy a 35% stake in Egypt’s October Dry Port (ODP).Officially launched in November 2023, ODP is Egypt’s first dry port and the first public-private partnership project in the Egyptian transport sector under the EBRD Green Cities program. It was developed, built, and operated by Elsewedy Electric in partnership with the General Authority for Land and Dry Ports (GALDP).
https://splash247.com/cma-cgm-buys-into-egyptian-inland-port/
7. Seacon flips leased product tanker to SeaKapital. China’s Seacon Shipping is selling a bareboat chartered modern chemical and oil products carrier to Hong Kong shipowner and leasing specialist SeaKapital.
The Hong Kong-listed, Qingdao-based owner and operator has struck a deal to offload the 2021-built 34,800 dwt MR1 Golden Daisy for roughly $32.9m.
https://splash247.com/seacon-flips-leased-product-tanker-to-seakapital/
8. NTSB to Hold Public Meeting on Fatal ‘Grande Costa D’Avorio’ Fire at Port Newark. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will convene a public board meeting on April 15 to determine what caused the devastating fire aboard the roll-on/roll-off vessel Grande Costa D’Avorio that claimed the lives of two firefighters in Newark, New Jersey.
https://gcaptain.com/ntsb-to-hold-public-meeting-on-fatal-grande-costa-davorio-fire-as-maritime-firefighting-training-gaps-emerge/
9. MSC Founder Emerges as Key Player in $19B Global Ports Deal. Gianluigi Aponte, the secretive Italian billionaire who founded MSC Mediterranean Shipping Co SA, has emerged as a powerful broker in a $19 billion port deal with Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing.
https://gcaptain.com/msc-founder-emerges-as-key-player-in-19b-global-ports-deal/
10. Port of Los Angeles Braces for Cargo Decline as Trade War Intensifies. The Port of Los Angeles, despite posting strong first-quarter numbers in 2025, is preparing for a significant downturn in cargo volumes as new tariffs threaten to reshape global maritime trade patterns.
https://gcaptain.com/port-of-los-angeles-braces-for-cargo-decline-as-trade-war-intensifies/