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The latest news and developments from Panama, one of the world’s most important shipping nations.

Panama plans changes to merchant marine lawPanama plans changes to merchant marine law

The Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) is working to make changes to Law 57 of 6 August 2008 General Merchant Marine, aiming at increasing the Panama Ship Registry’s competitiveness.

Michele Labrut, Americas Correspondent

January 27, 2023

2 Min Read
Panama Registry meeting
Photo: AMP

The AMP will later present the modifications to the National Assembly that will approve into law the adjustments to Law 57 of August 6, 2008 General Merchant Marine.

The proposal agreed upon through a working group composed of various stakeholders in the maritime sector, contemplates a new flag procedure within the framework of competitiveness, compliance and technology that facilitates the registration of the vessel.

  • It will be possible to obtain the statutory patent with a unique number directly without having to obtain a provisional navigation patent.

  • The regulatory navigation patent and the regulatory radio licence for international service vessels will not have an expiry date.

  • The possibility of entering the application for the flagging of vessels by means of an interested party with sufficient power of attorney granted by the owner of the vessel is enabled.

  • In the regulations related to the judicial sale, the additional concept of "Public Auction" is included to allow the possibility of the full cancellation of the vessel, not only in cases of sale ordered by a maritime court of justice, but also when the vessel has been sold at public auction carried out by an administrative authority.

  • The form of notification within the administrative process of the Directorate General of Merchant Marine is modified to allow in a special way notifications by e-mail, instead of an edict on the mural in the Department of Resolutions and Consultations. This adjustment within the legal framework streamlines the processes for clients and for continued compliance as a Registry. 

Related:Panama puts forward candidate for IMO Secretary-General

As part of the strengthening at international level, of legal certainty- a unique advantage of Panama, it is established that:

  • Within the change of ownership procedure, it is established the obligation of prior registration of the title deed of the seller of the vessel.

  • The legal security for mortgagees of vessels registered in Panama is reinforced, since the ex officio cancellation of the vessel will not affect the validity of the mortgage previously registered in the General Directorate of Public Registry of Ship Ownership of the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP).

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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