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Meridian Global's counter piracy teams to operate aboard Panama-flag vesselsMeridian Global's counter piracy teams to operate aboard Panama-flag vessels

Meridian Global’s counter-piracy teams may now operate aboard vessels flying the Panama flag, following an arduous vetting process that validated the quality of the US-based private maritime security company (PMSC).

Michele Labrut, Americas Correspondent

May 21, 2015

1 Min Read
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The Resolution was issued on 12 May by the Panama Maritime Authority, which administers the world’s largest flag State. The vetting process included scrutiny of Meridian’s reputation, financial stability, training standards, firearms handling accountability, corporate structure and proof of ISO 9001:2008 certification.

In addition to Panama, Meridian also operates aboard vessels flying many other major flags, including the Republics of Liberia and the Marshall Islands and the United States of America.

“Meridian’s PCASP teams comprised of combat tested US Marine Corps veterans look forward to operating aboard Panama flagged vessels,” said Meridian ceo Jonathan McConnell.  “We are gratified that the Panama Maritime Authority recognised the quality exhibited by our company.”

McConnell and his senior staff had the occasion to discuss counter-piracy operations recently with Fernando Solorzano, director general of Panama’s Merchant Marine and head of the Panama Ship Registry, during meetings both in Panama and during the recent Sea Asia conference in Singapore, where many vessel owners and operators whose vessels fly the Panama flag were in attendance.

About the Author

Michele Labrut

Americas Correspondent

Michèle Labrut is a long-time Panama resident, a journalist and correspondent, and has continuously covered the maritime sector of Central & Latin America.

Michèle first came to Panama as a press attaché to the French Embassy and then returned to the isthmus as a foreign correspondent in the 1980s.

Author of Seatrade Maritime's annual Panama Maritime Review magazine and of several books, Michèle also wrote for Time magazine, The Miami Herald, NBC News and the Economist Intelligence Unit. She has also collaborated in making several documentaries for the BBC and European and U.S. television networks.

Michèle's profession necessitates a profound knowledge of the country, but her acumen is not from necessity alone, but a genuine passion for Panama.

In 2012 she was awarded the Order of Merit (Knight grade) by the French Government for her services to international journalism and in 2021 the upgrade to Chevalier grade.

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