Statement from the Panamanian Maritime Law Association

Statement from the Panamanian Maritime Law Association regarding recent publications related to the Panama Ship Registry.

The Panamanian Maritime Law Association expresses its concern regarding recent publications in the media and social networks that affect the credibility, trust and track record of the Republic of Panama, in particular the Panamanian Registry of Ships, which currently ranks first in the world with the largest number of registered vessels.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for implementing measures for the safety and security of navigation, as well as preventing marine pollution from oil spills from merchant vessels.

In this regard, the Panama Ship Registry is a Category A member of the IMO Council, and is also a signatory to international conventions and regulations and the competent body for monitoring inspections of seafarers, ship registration, as well as the body in charge of the responsibilities of port state, flag state and coastal state. Additionally, the Republic of Panama is a member of the most important Memoranda of Understanding (MoU), bodies in charge of inspections and verifications worldwide.

As a responsible association, we emphasize that the ship registration process in our country complies with all international standards set by the IMO and International Conventions. We urge the Panama Maritime Authority to continue with the modernization that today allows for traceability and visibility of the facts that are the reason for the unfounded publications recently circulated.

We categorically reject the unfounded and unsupported allegations against the Panamanian ship registry. Mainly because, as a trade association, we constantly interact with the competent authorities of our country, forming a fundamental part of the process of registration, recording and monitoring of vessels that fly the Panamanian flag.

We urge you to follow official sources of information regarding any event, incident or fact related to the registry, avoiding fake news and unsubstantiated comments that do not generate solutions.

As an Association, we are always ready to continue supporting the effective compliance of international standards and regulations framed in Panamanian legislation.

As a trade association, we are witnesses to the application of the measures required for the investigation of accidents based on the international conventions and standards on the matter, and we urge the Panama Maritime Authority to continue maintaining constant communication with the governing bodies, users of the Registry and the public, not only regarding the accident of the MN Wakashio, but in general.