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We are a benchmark

strategic ally

in the maritime industry

The Embassy and General Consulate of Panama in Greece serves
as the sole diplomatic representation of the Panama Maritime
Authority (PMA) in the country.
Under the leadership of HE Mrs Julie Lymberopulos Karnakis,
Ambassador and General Consul, the Embassy and General
Consulate actively foster strong maritime ties between
Panama and Greece. As part of this mission, it has
facilitated an exclusive interview with Mr Ramón Franco,
General Director of the Merchant Marine Directorate
of the Panama Maritime Authority, who, as part of the new
administration of President José Raúl Mulino, shares
key insights with Naftika Chronika.
In this interview, Ramón Franco discusses Panama’s strategic
vision for the maritime industry, recent developments
within the PMA, and the nation's commitment to strengthening
its presence in the global shipping sector.

Exclusive interview with Mr Ramón Franco, Could you tell me a bit about your the Panama Maritime Authority on count-
General Director background, training, and early less occasions, managing procedures
of the Merchant Marine Directorate, career path? for clients who opted for the Panamanian
Panama Maritime Authority
I am a fourth-generation lawyer, and flag. In addition, I had the honour of pre-
the third in my family in the maritime siding over the Panamanian Association
field. I studied Law and Political Science of Maritime Law (APADEMAR) for two
at Universidad Santa María la Antigua consecutive terms. This work allowed
and obtained a master’s degree in Mari- me to participate in the Technical Table
time Law and Business from Universidad for the modification of the General Law
Pontificia Comillas/Instituto Marítimo of the Merchant Marine and in the working
Español. For 20 years, I have worked groups that led to the issuance of Exec-
in law firms as a specialist in maritime utive Decree 159 of 2021, regarding
© Photo credentials by Panama Maritime Authority
and corporate law. During that time, the Public Registry of Ship Ownership.
I advised shipping companies and finan- This trajectory enabled me to establish
cial institutions in Europe, Asia, and a reputation in the industry, and thanks
the Middle East on the registration to the trust of President José Raúl
and financing of Panamanian-flagged Mulino, I currently have the honour of
vessels. leading, alongside a great team, the Pan-
Personally, I have a great appreciation ama Ship Registry.
for the Greek market, as during my time
at Franco y Franco, the family firm, What distinguishes the Panama
we worked closely with many Greek Registry? Why is it considered
shipowners. a better option compared to other
international registries?
How did you end up working for We are leaders in the industry and have
the Panama Maritime Authority? the support of an entire country. The
Throughout my professional life, I visited reasons for choosing the Panama Ship

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