We are pleased to announce that Phoenix Register of Shipping S.A. has successfully completed all audit formalities and has received final approval from the Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) of the People’s Republic of China to begin operations.

With this significant milestone, our Qingdao branch office is now fully operational and ready to deliver our full scope of surveying and certification services to the Chinese maritime market.

Phoenix Classification Society (Qingdao)

Room 1811-1813, Building 328

Dunhua Road, North District

Qingdao City, Shandong Province, China

mail@phrs.gr | office@cn.phme.org

Tel.: +86 139 6396 8356

This development marks another important step in our global expansion and reinforces our commitment to providing technically proficient, compliant, and reliable services worldwide.

We look forward to contributing to the continued growth and safety of China's maritime sector.

Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of Belize flagged vessels
Action Date: Immediate

IMMARBE has published Circular TD-IMM-GOB001-25 (available here), replacing earlier Paris & Tokyo MoU Circulars.
This Circular applies to all Belize-flagged vessels subject to PSC inspections, regardless of the MoU region.
Any vessel detained by PSC will receive a Notice of Warning and enter the Occasional Survey Program (OSP) for a period of 24 months starting from the date of detention and the survey will be conducted by the Recognized Organization (RO) in charge of the vessel’s statutory certificates.
The first survey will be performed at the Port of Detention (exceptions may allow for next port of call with Flag approval). In case of subsequent survey:

• If the mandatory survey is due after detention → second OSP survey is combined with it.
• If the mandatory survey was completed prior → second OSP survey to be performed 6 months after the last mandatory survey.
• Thereafter, surveys to be conducted every 6 months.

The scope of occasional survey is equivalent to Annual. Deficiencies must be reported immediately to IMMARBE with evidence of corrective actions and the short-term or provisional certificates may be issued following MMN-24-003 guidance.

Penalties for Non-Compliance:

- Failure to present vessel: $5,000 fine
- 2nd detention within 18 months: Registry deletion
- 2nd detention between 18–24 months: $5,000–$10,000 fine
- 3rd detention within 36 months: Registry deletion

For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers
Action Date: Immediate

A Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on compliance with some MLC, 2006 provisions was carried out jointly by the Paris MoU and Tokyo MOU during the period 1st September 2024 to 30th November 2024.

The purpose of the CIC was to assess seafarers' employment conditions under the MLC, 2006 Convention on board ships of various flag states, ensuring their contracts (SEAs) comply with MLC, 2006 provisions. It also aimed to verify that seafarers receive appropriate wages, that ship-owners provide financial security for compensation in the event of death, disability, or repatriation, and to raise awareness among ship-owners, operators, and seafarers of the specific requirements of the CIC.

A CIC Questionnaire and guidance were developed by the Tokyo MOU in collaboration with the Paris MoU. The questionnaire consisted of 10 questions to be answered by Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) when conducting a Port State Control (PSC) inspection during the CIC period.

The questionnaire was completed on a total of 3863 ships, given that the CIC was conducted on all ships targeted for inspection within the Paris MoU Region during the relevant period, but only one CIC report was required per ship in case of multiple inspections.
Overall, the results show a good level of implementation of the MLC,2006 provisions on which the CIC focused. A total of 30 ships out of the total of 3863 ships (0,78%) were detained for at least one CIC-related topic detainable deficiency.

In detail, the deficiencies on Seafarers’ Employment Agreement Wages, Collective Bargaining Agreement Maritime Labour Certificate ran up compared to the same period in 2023.

The detailed report published by Paris MoU (available here) to present the results of the CIC on MLC, 2006 applied to all ships targeted for inspection within the Paris MoU Region between 1 September to 30 November 2024.

For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers

Action Date: Immediate

We are pleased to inform you that, effective immediately, PHRS Technical Circulars are now publicly accessible through our e-app platform. You may view them at the following link (no registration is required): https://eapp.phrs.gr/Home/Publications

The circulars are organized by year of issuance to facilitate easy navigation. Within the “TECHNICAL CIRCULARS” folder, you can also use the “Filter By” field in the upper-right corner of the screen to search for a circular by its title or a part of it.

These Technical Circulars serve as a valuable resource for ship-owners, managers, operators, PHRS surveyors, and auditors. They provide essential information on:

• Flag Administration requirements
• Regulatory and statutory updates
• PHRS guidelines and procedures

We encourage all stakeholders to regularly consult this section to remain informed of the latest developments relevant to their operations and compliance responsibilities.
For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers

Action Date: Immediate

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has issued MEPC.1/Circ.917, providing interim guidance on the carriage of biofuel blends containing up to 30% biofuel by volume on conventional bunker ships certified under MARPOL Annex I. Relevant to this is Marine Advisory 14/2025  issued by the Liberian Registry on May 30 2025.

Key Provisions:

• Carriage Authorization: Biofuel blends containing no more than 30% biofuel by volume may be transported on conventional bunker vessels without necessitating modifications to the ship’s IOPP Certificate.

• Tank Residues and Washings: All tank residues and washings must be discharged to shore reception facilities, unless the ship is equipped with an Oil Discharge Monitoring Equipment (ODME) approved for the specific blend.

• Regulatory Alignment: This interim guidance is consistent with MEPC.1/Circ.795/Rev.9, which outlines the definition of biofuels and their compliance with MARPOL Annex VI, including NOx requirements.

• Recognized Biofuel Types: The following biofuel types are included under this guidance:
  • FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters)
  • FAEE (Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters)
  • HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil)
  • SVO (Straight Vegetable Oil)
  • Glycerol
  • Other biomass-to-liquid (BtL) fuels

Action Required:

Owners and operators of bunker vessels intending to carry biofuel blends should ensure compliance with the above requirements and consult MEPC.1/Circ.917 for complete details.

Contact:

For further clarification or guidance, please contact us at technical@phrs.gr or for vessels under LISCR you may contact directly the LISCR Regulations and Standards Department at:
RegsandStandards@liscr.com

Action Date: 1 May 2025

The Mediterranean Sea officially became an Emission Control Area (Med SOx ECA) under MARPOL Annex VI on 1 May 2025. The sulphur content in fuel oil for ships operating in the area is now limited to 0.1%, significantly reducing air pollution and delivering major benefits to both human health and the marine environment.

Ships operating within the Med SOx ECA must now use fuel oil with a maximum sulphur content of 0.10% m/m, compared to the global limit of 0.50% m/m. This regulatory measure aims to significantly reduce air pollution and improve public health and environmental quality in the region.

The reduction in SOx emissions from shipping provides numerous health and environmental advantages:

• Human Health: Lower emissions reduce the incidence of lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, strokes, and childhood asthma.
• Environment: Reductions in acid deposition help protect crops, forests, and aquatic ecosystems.
• Safety: Improved air quality enhances visibility at sea, decreasing the risk of maritime accidents.

Global ECA Framework

The Med SOx ECA is the fifth area designated under MARPOL Annex VI. Other established ECAs include:

• Baltic Sea Area
• North Sea Area
• North American ECA (coastal waters of the U.S. and Canada)
• U.S. Caribbean Sea ECA (Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands)

In 2024, two additional ECAs were designated:

• Canadian Arctic
• Norwegian Sea

In April 2025, the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83) approved a proposal to designate the North-East Atlantic as a future ECA.

On 1 January 2020, MARPOL Annex VI introduced a new global limit of 0.50% sulphur content in marine fuel oil, down from 3.50%. This change resulted in an estimated 70% reduction in total sulphur oxide emissions from shipping.

For more information, refer to the IMO guidelines under MARPOL Annex VI.

Action Date: October 2025

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has approved a landmark set of draft regulations aimed at achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping by or around 2050. These measures, endorsed during the 83rd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83) held from April 7–11, 2025, represent a significant advancement in global maritime decarbonization efforts.​

Key Components of the IMO Net-Zero Framework

The approved framework introduces two pivotal elements:​

1. Global Fuel Standard: A phased reduction in the annual GHG fuel intensity (GFI) of ships, calculated on a well-to-wake basis. This standard mandates a gradual decrease in the amount of GHG emitted per unit of energy used, promoting the adoption of cleaner fuels and technologies.​
2. Global Economic Measure: An emissions pricing mechanism requiring ships exceeding GFI thresholds to acquire remedial units to offset their emissions. Conversely, vessels employing zero or near-zero GHG technologies will be eligible for financial incentives, fostering innovation and the transition to sustainable maritime operations.​

These regulations will be incorporated into a new Chapter 5 of MARPOL Annex VI and are set to become mandatory for ocean-going vessels over 5,000 gross tonnage—accounting for approximately 85% of CO₂ emissions from international shipping. Formal adoption is anticipated in October 2025, with enforcement commencing in 2027.​

Implementation Timeline

• October 2025: Formal adoption of the regulations.​
• 2027: Entry into force of the mandatory measures.

Implications for Surveyors and Technical Staff

Surveyors and technical personnel should put increased emphasis on accurate documentation and reporting of fuel usage and emissions data.​

Other MEPC 83 outcomes

The meeting discussed a range of issues related to protecting the marine environment from shipping activities, with the following key outcomes:

• Adoption of 2025 Action Plan to combat marine plastic litter;
• Progress in the review of the Ballast Water Management Convention;
• Approval of a proposal to designate the North-East Atlantic as an Emission Control Area and agreement in principle to designate two new Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas off South America’s Pacific coast;
• Approval of the draft Work plan on the development of a regulatory framework for the use of Onboard Carbon Capture Storage systems (OCCS)
• Approval of draft amendments to regulation 27 of MARPOL Annex VI regarding accessibility of the IMO Data Collection System
• Adoption of amendments to the 2021 Guidelines on the operational carbon intensity reduction factors relative to reference lines (CII reduction factors guidelines, G3)
• Approval of a new output to develop a legally binding framework on biofouling management, to prevent the spread of harmful invasive aquatic species

A full meeting summary will be provided soon.

For more information please contact us at  technical@phrs.gr .

As of February 25, 2025, Phoenix Register of Shipping is proud to announce its accreditation by the Hellenic Accreditation System (ESYD) for assessment of FuelEU Monitoring plans and verifying FuelEU Maritime Reports.

A key pillar of the European Union’s Fit for 55 initiative, the FuelEU Maritime Regulation, as a complementary regulation to the EU ETS, is designed to reduce EU emissions by 55% by 2030. It mandates that vessels calling at EU ports progressively lower the greenhouse gas intensity of their onboard energy use. Compliance relies on stringent monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) processes, including the submission of verified FuelEU Maritime Reports.

With a highly skilled team and a specialized Marine Environmental Sustainability Department, Phoenix Register of Shipping is fully equipped to support shipping companies in navigating the complexities of the FuelEU Maritime Regulation. Our aim is to provide smooth and optimized verification services while supporting our clients' operations with maximum efficiency and minimal interference.

For more information please contact us at mes@phrs.gr and/or technical@phrs.gr .

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has developed Interim Guidelines for ships using ammonia as fuel. These guidelines aim to provide an international standard for the arrangement, installation, control, and monitoring of machinery, equipment, and systems utilizing ammonia as fuel, thereby minimizing risks to ships, their crews, and the environment. The guidelines are recommendatory in nature and apply to ships not covered by the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code).

As of December 2024, these Interim Guidelines were approved during the 109th session of the IMO's Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 109). However, the finalized guidelines have not yet been published as a standalone document. For reference, a draft version titled "INTERIM GUIDELINES FOR THE SAFETY OF SHIPS USING AMMONIA AS FUEL" is available  here.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is advisable to consult the official IMO website or contact the IMO directly to obtain the finalized Interim Guidelines once they are published.

Following a thorough and extensive evaluation by the Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) of the People's Republic of China, Phoenix Register of Shipping S.A. has been granted authorization to establish and operate a branch office in Qingdao. Qingdao is a key global maritime hub, ranking 4th worldwide in cargo volume due to its strategic location opposite South Korea and its easy accessibility for vessels of all types and sizes. PHRS maintains an extensive network of offices and inspectors worldwide, ensuring immediate and efficient support for the vessels under its supervision.

China enforces strict financial and technical criteria for foreign classification societies operating within its jurisdiction. This regulatory framework ensures that only credible, technically proficient, and well-equipped organizations can conduct inspections in full compliance with international conventions and national regulations. Phoenix Register of Shipping’s approval to operate in China is a testament to our technical expertise and reliability.

A Rapidly Growing Organization

Founded in 2000 by a team of naval architects, Phoenix Register of Shipping S.A. has evolved into a leading Greek classification society with a strong global presence. The organization has earned notable authorizations from major maritime authorities, including Panama, Liberia, Palau, St. Kitts & Nevis, and Greece, covering vessels under national legislation.

Notably, Liberia and Panama are the two largest ship registries worldwide, and Phoenix Register of Shipping holds a unique distinction in Liberia as the only classification society authorized without being a member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS). Furthermore, we are the first European classification society (outside IACS) to secure operating authorization in China, marking a significant milestone in our global expansion.

Commitment to Excellence

This achievement highlights the organization's high level of technical competence and global compliance. The organization is implementing a highly complex and demanding restructuring plan to align its operations with the QUALITY SYSTEM of CLASSIFICATION SOCIETIES (QSCS), the quality standard followed by IACS member classification societies. PHRS consistently maintains a strong performance in the evaluation mechanisms of Paris MoU and Tokyo MoU, testament to its commitment to high quality of services.