Page 58 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - SEPT 2025

International fora

Registry are clear, as it provides: of which are in the process of deregis- the first registry in the world to imple-
• State backing: The Panama Ship tration) with a total of 12,819,234 GRTs ment stricter controls and mandatory
Registry receives state support and have had their registration cancelled. traceability for STS transfer opera-
funding, thus offering unique security With the deregistration of these 242 tions. This new measure took effect
to our clients. ships, the State will no longer receive an on 6 August 2025.
• Complete services: We offer a com- approximate amount of $7,278,460.02 The regulation requires all Panamanian-
prehensive catalogue of services tai- corresponding to the 16,037,375 GRT flagged tankers with a gross tonnage
lored to meet all the industry’s needs. of the deregistered ships and those of 150 or more to notify the Panama
• Global coverage: Our network, in the process of being struck off the Maritime Authority (PMA) at least 48
comprising 53 consulates and Register. hours in advance, providing all the tech-
22 Segumar and regional documen- nical and logistical details of each STS
tation technical offices, ensures Pre-check operation.
a comprehensive and efficient Pre-check refers to the verification
service worldwide. process that ships must comply with in What are you doing to improve standards
• Trained professionals: We have order to be registered in the Panama in terms of fleet performance?
a broad network of highly trained Ship Registry. This process involves We have established the Performance
maritime lawyers and flag inspectors a thorough assessment of the risks Monitoring Accelerated Programme
worldwide (more than 190). related to various aspects of the ship, with the primary objective of ensuring
• Commitment to quality: We operate its owner, operator, or charterer before that vessels comply with the estab-
under high-quality standards and applying for registration in the Reg- lished requirements and have optimised
are signatories to the main interna- ister, in order to ensure that the ship the performance of the Panamanian
tional maritime conventions, which complies with international standards Merchant Fleet by adopting best prac-
ensure that our fleet complies with on safety, environmental protection, tices, reducing maritime safety risks,
the strictest regulations. and crew welfare, and to promote implementing rigorous inspections, and
• Economic benefits: We offer special cooperation and best practices in the strengthening supervision and control
incentive programmes for our clien- maritime industry. mechanisms.
tele. Since July 2025, the Panamanian Key actions include implementing
• Personalised attention: We focus on Registry has updated its policies mandatory pre-arrival checklists for
providing a close and tailored service to optimise the operational perfor- medium-risk vessels entering specific
to our customers. mance of its fleet, minimise the risk ports destined for areas under the
of detentions, and prevent the entry of Paris MoU, the US Coast Guard, and
What are the main measures you are vessels from the so-called ghost fleet. the Tokyo MoU (which includes Aus-
taking as a Registry to address tralia and China). For high-risk (crit-
the dark fleet? Panama required full traceability for ical) ships, an increased inspection
Executive Decree 512 offshore oil transfers during ship-to- frequency and more thorough Safety
Since Executive Decree 512 came into ship (STS) operations Management System (SMS) audits are
effect on 18 October 2024, 211 ships (31 The Panama Ship Registry has become required, which include their operat-
ing companies, as well as warehouses
with deficiencies.

What is your vision for the Panama
Registry?
© Photo credentials by Panama Maritime Authority
Our goal is for Panama to be recognised
as the best registry in terms of the qual-
ity of its fleet and the service we offer.
We are a benchmark in the maritime
industry, not only as a registry but
also as a strategic ally, going one step
beyond simple management.
Our current focus is on ‘reinvention’,
prioritising quality over quantity. We
humbly recognise that we have areas
for improvement, and we are actively
working on them. To achieve this, we
are strategically investing in technol-
ogy, resources and, above all, in our
valuable human capital.

56 NX