Phoenix Register of Shipping Announces New Corporate Email Domain and Functional Mailboxes Effective 20 July
Phoenix Register of Shipping (PHRS) is pleased to announce that, effective 20 July, the Organization will implement its new corporate email domain, @phrs.co.com, replacing the previous @phrs.gr addresses.
This transition marks an important milestone in PHRS' continued international development. The adoption of the new domain reflects the Organization's global presence and reinforces its identity as an international Classification Society serving the worldwide maritime industry.
At the same time, PHRS is introducing a comprehensive network of dedicated functional mailboxes, designed to ensure that every enquiry is directed immediately to the appropriate department. This new communication structure will provide faster response times, improved coordination and a more efficient, customer-focused service experience.
We kindly ask all clients, Flag Administrations, business partners and stakeholders to update their records and use the new @phrs.co.com email addresses for all future correspondence from 20 July onwards, as detailed in the attached Corporate Functional Mailbox Directory.
This initiative forms part of PHRS' ongoing commitment to operational excellence, digital transformation and the continuous enhancement of the services provided to the international maritime community.
We appreciate your continued trust and cooperation and remain at your disposal for any further information.
1. SCOPE
This Newsletter aims to inform all interested parties about the publication of Maritime Circular – MC 155 26 by the St. Kitts & Nevis International Ship Registry. The purpose of this Maritime Circular is establish a mandatory advance reporting requirement for ship to-ship (STS) operations involving the transfer of oil cargo between oil tankers flying the St. Kitts and Nevis flag.
This measure is adopted as part of the Administration’s oversight of STS activities and in support of international efforts to prevent unsafe, deceptive, illicit, or sanction-evasive maritime practices associated with the so-called “dark fleet” or “shadow fleet”.
2. APPLICABILITY
This Circular applies to oil tankers of 150 gross tonnage and above, registered under the St. Kitts and Nevis flag, engaged in ship-to-ship (STS) transfer operations involving oil cargo, regardless of location.
This Circular does not apply to:
- Oil transfer operations associated with fixed or floating platforms, including drilling rigs, FPSOs and FSUs used for offshore production or storage of oil.
- STS operations necessary for securing the safety of a ship or saving life at sea, or for combating specific pollution incidents in order to minimize damage from pollution.
- STS operations involving warships, naval auxiliaries, or other ships owned or operated by a State and used, for the time being, only on government non-commercial service.
For the full text please follow the link below.
For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at technical@phrs.gr.
1. SCOPE
This Newsletter aims to inform all interested parties about the publication of Marine Advisory: 16/2026 by the Liberia Maritime Authority. The purpose of this Marine Advisory is to draw the attention of shipowners, operators, Masters and crew to the importance of timely reporting of alleged inadequacies of port reception facilities (PRF) encountered during port operations.
2. BACKGROUND
As outlined in POL-006, Masters and/or shipowners/operators encountering difficulties in discharging MARPOL wastes/residues, including plastic to port reception facilities are required to report such cases to the Administration and, if possible, to the Authorities of the port State concerned.
The information received forms the basis for the Administration’s notification to the IMO and supports follow-up actions with the relevant port State.
For the full text please follow the link below.
For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at technical@phrs.gr or Liberia’s Investigations Department at investigations@liscr.com.
1. SCOPE
This Newsletter aims to inform all interested parties about the publication of Marine Notice ADM-008 Rev. 06/26 by the Liberia Maritime Authority. The purpose of this Notice is to provide guidance on regulations XI-1/3 and XI-1/3-1 of SOLAS, 1978, as amended, that requires all passenger ships of 100 gross tonnage and upwards and all cargo ships of 300 gross tonnage and upwards to be provided with an identification number, and every Company and registered owner of ships to which SOLAS Chapter I applies, to be provided with an identification number which conforms to the Integrated IMO Identification Number Scheme adopted by the International Maritime Organization.
The Integrated IMO Identification Number Scheme was adopted to enhance maritime safety, security and environmental protection, and to facilitate the prevention of maritime fraud, and harmonizes the two previous schemes, i.e. the IMO Ship Identification Number Scheme and the IMO Unique Company and Registered Owner Identification Number Scheme.
For the full text please follow the link below.
For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at technical@phrs.gr or Liberia’s Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Republic of Liberia, the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry.
1. SCOPE
This Newsletter aims to inform all interested parties about the publication of Merchant Marine Notice-13/2026 by the Panama Maritime Authority. The purpose of this Marine Notice is to notify all ship-owners, operators and Masters of vessels about the most frequent detainable deficiencies identified during Port State Control (PSC) inspections on Panamanian-flagged vessels within Italy jurisdictional waters (Paris MoU) during 2025, with the objective of mitigating detention risk, enhancing vessel safety, and maintaining the high-performance standing of the Panama Ship Registry.
2. APPLICABILITY
- All Panamanian-flagged vessels, regardless of size or type, calling at or operating within Italian ports.
- All Shipowners, Operators, and Masters responsible for ensuring the vessel’s seaworthiness and compliance with international maritime conventions.
The most frequently identified detainable deficiencies (with codes) include:
- Evaluation of crew performance (fire drills) – 07125
- Fire drills – 04109
- Emergency source of power - Emergency generator – 04114
- Fire doors/openings in fire-resisting divisions – 07105
- Fixed fire extinguishing installation – 07109
- Fire detection and alarm system – 07106
- Launching arrangements for survival craft – 11112
- Auxiliary engine – 13102
- Personal equipment for fire safety – 07111
- Fire pumps and its pipes – 07113
For the full text please follow the link below.
For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at technical@phrs.gr or Panama’s Navigation and Maritime Safety Department at psc@amp.gob.pa.
1. SCOPE
This Newsletter aims to inform all interested parties about the publication of Marine Advisory: 18/2023-Rev.1 by the Liberia Maritime Authority. The purpose of this Marine Advisory is to provide information regarding the interim guidance on the use of biofuels for fuel oil consumption data and operational carbon intensity calculations which was approved by the Committee at MEPC 80.
The 2022 Guidelines on operational carbon intensity indicators and the calculation methods (resolution MEPC.352(78) CII guidelines, G1) provide the possibility for the CO2 Emission Conversion Factor (Cf) to be obtained from the fuel oil supplier, supported by documentary, in case the fuel oil is not covered by the relevant guidelines.
2. REQUIREMENTS
Pending the development of the comprehensive method to account for well-to-wake GHG emissions and removals based on the IMO Guidelines on Life Cycle GHG Intensity of Marine Fuels (LCA), biofuels that have been certified by an International certification scheme, such as ICAO’s CORSIA approved sustainability certification schemes or other International certification schemes acceptable to the Administration, meeting the sustainability criteria and the conditions below are eligible for a reduced Cf:
- Biofuels that provide well-to-wake GHG emission reduction of at least 65% as compared to well-to-wake emissions of fossil MGO;
- Achieving emission intensity not exceeding 33gCO2eq/MJ;
- Proof of sustainability or equivalent documentation from a recognized scheme should be provided along with the Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) to facilitate verification of the reported biofuel consumption.
3. CALCULATION AND ASSIGNMENT OF CARBON CONVERSION FACTOR (CF) FOR BIOFUELS
The assigned Cf is equal to the value of the well-to-wake GHG emissions of the fuel according to the certificate (expressed in gCO2eq/MJ) multiplied by its lower calorific value (LCV, expressed in MJ/g) for the corresponding amount of fuels consumed by the ship. In any case, the Cf value of a biofuel cannot be less than 0. For biofuel blends, the Cf should be based on the weighted average of the Cf for the respective amount of fuels by energy. The revised interim Guidance in MEPC.1/Circ.905/Rev.1 introduces a change in the calculation of the carbon conversion factor (Cf) for biofuel blends from energy-weighted to mass-weighted averaging. This corrects a methodological inconsistency and may affect CII calculations for ships using blended fuels.
The revised guidance applies from 1 January 2027, and will require verification of supporting documentation accordingly.
However, Biofuels that are not certified as ‘sustainable’ or not fulfilling the well-to-wake emission factor criterion above should be assigned a Cf equivalent to Cf of fossil fuel type.
PhRS Note: Any existing SEEMP Part II that includes a calculation method for the conversion factor of biofuel blends in accordance with MEPC.1/Circ.905 should be revised to reflect MEPC.1/Circ.905/Rev.1. The revised SEEMP Part II should be submitted to PhRS for review as soon as possible to ensure issuance of the new Confirmation of Compliance by 31 December 2026.
For the full text please follow the link below.
For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at technical@phrs.gr or Liberia’s Regulations and Standards Department at RegsAndStandards@liscr.com.
NL 413/26 | SKAN - Extended Implementation Of Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on MLC 2006
1. SCOPE
This Newsletter aims to inform all interested parties about the publication of Maritime Circular – MC 156 26 by the Saint Kitts and Nevis (SKAN) International Ship Registry. Following the successful launch of our initial MLC inspection initiative, the Technical Department is formalizing an extended Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC). This phase moves beyond surface-level documentation to a rigorous assessment of operational compliance.
This campaign is mandatory for all vessels undergoing Flag State Inspection (FSI) effective as of July 6th, 2026.
2. APPLICABILITY
This Maritime Circular is applicable to all shipowners, managers, operators, crew agencies crew members, masters, recognized organization and Flag State Inspectors (FSI), interacting with our fleet, It governs vessels registered under the St Kitts & Nevis International Ship Registry that are subject to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 compliance mandates.
3. LEGAL REFERENCES AND FRAMEWORK
This Circular shall be read in conjunction with:
- Code for Recognized Organizations, IMO Resolution MSC.349(92)
- IMO Instruments of Implementation Code, IMO Resolution A.1070(28)
- ISM Code
- ISPS Code
- MLC Code
- The St. Kitts and Nevis Merchant Shipping Act
For the full text please follow the link below.
For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at technical@phrs.gr or St. Kitts and Nevis Registry at FSI@skanregistry.com & Technical@SkanRegistry.com.
NL 412/26 | 2026 joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) by the Paris MoU and Tokyo MoU on Cargo Securing
1. SCOPE
This newsletter informs ship-owners, managers, Masters, surveyors, and other maritime stakeholders about the upcoming 2026 Paris MoU–Tokyo MoU Concentrated Inspection Campaign on Cargo Securing, scheduled from 1 September to 30 November 2026, with the purpose is to provide early awareness and practical preparation guidance before the official CIC questionnaire is published. It aims to help companies and vessels identify potential deficiencies, verify compliance, improve crew readiness, and reduce the risk of PSC findings or detention during the campaign.
2. PURPOSE OF THE JOINT CIC
The 2026 joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) by the Paris MoU and Tokyo MoU will focus on Cargo Securing will run from September 1 to November 30, 2026.
While the exact pre-defined questionnaire will be officially released later this summer prior to the start of the campaign, Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) are expected to verify compliance based on SOLAS Chapters VI and VII, and the IMO CSS Code.
Because this campaign will add specific cargo securing questions to standard PSC inspections, ship-operators and Masters should actively prepare well ahead of time. Based on the framework of similar past PSC Concentrated Inspection Campaigns, the questionnaire will likely evaluate the following core areas:
- Cargo Securing Manual (CSM): PSCOs will verify that the vessel carries a flag-State approved, vessel- specific manual covering all types of cargo carried
- Equipment Condition: Checking the physical condition and certification of lashing gear, twistlocks, securing points, and associated hardware.
- Documentation & Calculation: Ensuring the crew can properly utilize cargo securing calculations and approved software to assess lashing requirements.
- Crew Familiarity and awareness: Drills or interviews to verify that the master and assigned crew understand cargo securing procedures and emergency operations.
- ISM Code Implementation: Cross-referencing cargo securing practices with the vessel's Safety Management System (SMS) to ensure standard operating procedures are followed.
3. AFFECTED VESSELS
Which vessels are affected (no matter if they may be in ballast condition during the CIC)
- Container vessels — twist locks, lashing rods, and bridge fittings under close scrutiny
- General cargo and multipurpose vessels — heavy lifts, project cargo, and break-bulk securing
- Ro-Ro and vehicle carriers — vehicle lashings, deck securing points, and trailer stowage
- Bulk carriers carrying steel, pipes, or unitized cargo on deck or in holds
- Heavy-lift and offshore vessels with specialized securing arrangements
Upon the publication of the official information about the CIC and the release of relevant campaign questionnaire by the Paris and Tokyo MOUs, it will be then communicated to stakeholders by PhRS.
PhRS remains actively supportive with stakeholders, ship-owner, managers to further explain the CIC questions, their relation to the ISM Code and current PSC topics and provide practical guidance on preparing for inspections.
For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at technical@phrs.gr
1. SCOPE & PURPOSE
This Newsletter aims to inform all ship-owners, operators and Masters of vessels about the Top 20 detainable deficiencies identified by the Liberian Registry for June 2026, based on recent Port State Control (PSC) statistics, and to enhance awareness on common root causes, preventive measures, and survey focus areas.
The most frequently identified detainable deficiencies (with codes) include:
- Auxiliary engine – 13102
- Propulsion main engine – 13101
- Maintenance of the ship and equipment – 15109
- Lifeboats – 11101
- Gauges, thermometers etc. – 13103
- Fire fighting equipment and appliances – 7110
- Fire-dampers – 7115
- ISM – 15150
- Ventilators, air pipes , casing – 3108
- Fire doors/openings in fire-resisting divisions – 7105
- Nautical Publications – 10116
- Emergency source of power - Emergency generator – 4114
- Rescue boats – 11104
- Emergency lighting, batteries and switches – 4103
- Fixed fire extinguishing installation – 7109
- Oil accumulation in engine room – 7126
- Fire pumps and its pipes – 7113
- Magnetic compass – 10105
- Fire Detection – 07106
- Closing devides/ Watertight doors – 2101
2. COMMON ROOT CAUSES OF PSC DETENTIONS
PSC inspections indicate that detainable deficiencies often arise from:
- Inadequate maintenance or testing of safety-critical equipment;
- Lack of effective onboard verification prior to arrival at port;
- Insufficient crew familiarization and training, particularly for emergency duties;
- Incomplete, inaccurate, or outdated documentation and records.
3. RECOMMENDATIONS TO SHIP-OWNERS AND OPERATORS
To reduce the risk of PSC detention, ship-owners and operators should be strongly encouraged to:
- Conduct pre-arrival internal checks, focusing on:
- Fire safety systems
- Life-Saving Appliances (LSA)
- ISM implementation
- Pollution prevention equipment
- Ensure all safety and emergency equipment is operational, tested, and readily available;
- Verify that crew are familiar with emergency duties and ship-specific procedures;
- Review and update statutory certificates, logs, and records prior to port entry;
- Pay particular attention to recurring PSC deficiency areas highlighted in this Circular and in PHRS PSC bulletins.
As a recognized organization, PHRS will continue to:
- Monitor PSC trends affecting ships classed and/or certified by PHRS;
- Share relevant information for awareness and preventive purposes through Technical Circulars, Newsletters, and PSC Bulletins;
- Support ship-owners and operators through technical guidance, clarification, and proactive engagement.
For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at technical@phrs.gr
NL 410/26 | Annual Report 2025 - Paris Mou On Port State Control, Including Performance Lists
1. PURPOSE & SCOPE
Please find attached, for your information, the Press Release from the Secretariat of the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (Paris MoU) regarding the publication of the annual report on Port State Control for the year 2025, which was posted on 30 June 2026 on the Paris MoU website (www.parismou.org) and can be accessed at the following link: https://parismou.org/2026/07/2025-paris-mou-annual-report-port-state-control-progress-and-performance-highlights-paris
The above annual report includes the list of Flag States and Recognized Organizations (ROs) performance for 2025. According to the ROs Performance List of the Paris MoU Secretariat, PHRS is included for the current year at the top of the list of ROs in the Medium Performing level, marginally lower than High Performing ROs (IACS), confirming its stable presence among the quality ROs and its high level of compliance with international safety and quality standards.
It is noted that the White List, the Grey List and the Black List Flags of the current year, which will enter into force on 1 July 2026, are used to calculate the risk profile of ships entering the Paris MoU regional agreement. The list in question includes a total of sixty-nine (69) Flag States without recording significant differences in the distribution of States in its individual categories.
It is noted that for the year 2025, the White List includes forty (40) Flag States, the Grey List includes nineteen (19) States, while the Black List includes ten (10) Flag States, respectively.
Similarly, from 1 July 2026, the new performance table of Recognized Organizations will come into force, which includes total of thirty-one (31) ROs into three categorizations: High Performance, Medium Performance and Low Performance.
The results from these performance lists will be applied to Ship Risk Profile calculations starting 1 July 2026.
For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at technical@phrs.gr.