News & Events

A round up of news and updates from and about Malta Malta re-elected to the IMO Council: Malta was re-elected to the IMO Council for the 2026–2027 biennium, confirming its role as a leading maritime nation. This re-election ensures Malta’s continued participation in IMO decision-making, particularly as the organisation implements new international rules on decarbonisation, safety, security, sanctions compliance, and seafarer welfare. MISA welcomed the news and continues to s

Maltese Minister of Transport Hon Chris Bonett and MISA's Secretary General attended the ICS summit in Hong Kong SAR ICS CEM Hubs : MISA facilitated a meeting between the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the Maltese Energy Minister Hon. Miriam Dalli in the margins of the IRENA General Assembly held in January. Discussions focused on how Malta can contribute to the ICS CEM hubs initiative after having become the second EU Member State to join it in June 2025 . MISA

Recent policy actions by the EU and UK have significantly tightened the enforcement of the oil price cap against Russia, specifically targeting circumvention in the maritime sector through expanded vessel designations and reinforced controls on transport, insurance, and services. Scrutiny has increased on ship-to-ship transfers, flag changes, and complex ownership. The Russian sanctions regimes have also been extended and existing measures tightened, with new rounds of sancti

EU ETS Maritime: calls for corrective action and review process From the start of 2026, shipping is facing a significantly more demanding and fragmented compliance landscape. The EU Emissions Trading System entered full implementation from January 2026, requiring 100 % surrender of allowances and expanding coverage beyond CO₂ to include methane and nitrous oxide. This marks the final step up from the 70% phase-in applied in 2025, increasing cost exposure and reporting complex

A number of regulations have entered into force recently IMO Instruments enter into force A significant set of IMO regulatory amendments became effective on 1 January 2026. An overview of the full package of IMO instruments entering into force is available here . Notably, these include: SOLAS and MARPOL amendments introducing mandatory reporting of lost or drifting containers, enhancing navigational safety and environmental protection. Further safety-related amendments addres

As of January 1, 2026, Cyprus has officially assumed the Presidency of the Council of the EU , succeeding Denmark - a role it will hold for a six-month term. Under the motto " An Autonomous Union. Open to the World ," the presidency priorities reflect Cyprus's vision of a stronger, more resilient, and more independent Europe that remains globally open and engaged. On 27 January, Cyprus’ Deputy Minister of Shipping, Marina Hadjimanolis, addressed the European Parliament’s Tra

Claudia Vella Casagrande, MISA Secretary General Dear Members, I hope that you all are working with focused energy that builds on the momentum we achieved over the past year. I am grateful for how much we have achieved together over 2025, with our collective voice reaching a new level of resonance in Valletta, Brussels, and beyond. We have proven that we are an effective partner in the global maritime dialogue and a bridge between industry and public authorities and between M

MISA issued a statement addressing concerns about vessel and crew safety On 17 January MISA issued a statement in response to incidents affecting Malta registered vessels and their seafarers , addressing concerns about maritime security, safety, and the protection of crews in high-risk environments. The statement expresses grave concern over recent attacks on commercial shipping and operations and underlines that such incidents pose a serious threat to the safety of civilian