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The Government of Panama rejects misleading claims made regarding the role of Panama in enforcing Iran’s Sanctions Efforts

03 June 2025

The Government of Panama rejects the misleading claims made by Mark D. Wallace, CEO of United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) in recent publications circulated through the media and electronic mail worldwide.

Panama, through its Panama Maritime Authority (referred to by its Spanish acronym AMP), the entity in charge of the Panama Ship Registry, as the governing body of the Panamanian maritime sector, has de-flagged more than 650 ships from its registry since 2019 in compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and in line with Panama’s efforts to combat the financing of terrorism and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

The Government of Panama maintains close collaborations with the Government of the United States of America through the U.S. Embassy in Panama, and through direct communications with the Department of State regarding the Ship Registry and other security issues of shared importance.

Furthermore, as part of our international commitments, on August 2019, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) known as the “Registry Information Sharing Compact (RISC)” was signed between Liberia, Vanuatu, Marshal Islands, Dominica, Antigua & Barbuda, Moldova and Panama, in which it was agreed that when a Flag Registry cancels or initiates a sanction or cancellation process, or refuses to register a vessel due to a sanctionable activity, said Registry shall immediately notify the other members of the details of that vessel, providing a description of the sanctionable activity to publicize the identity of ships, companies, or groups that behave contrary to the interest of the international maritime community.

As a result of the signing of the MOU, the AMP issued Resolution No. 106-048-DGMM on August 19th, 2019, which established sanctions again sanky vessel on the Panama Registry that deliberately deactivates the Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) System, and/or the equipment of the Automatic Identification System (AIS).

Additionally, Panama has recently implemented stringent new requirements for ship-to-ship (STS) oil transfer operations involving vessels under its flag, marking a significant step in its efforts to combat sanctions evasion and illicit maritime activities. The new requirements align with International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards and the MARPOL Convention, reflecting Panama’s stated commitment to maritime safety and operational transparency. The move follows the October 2024 enactment of Executive Decree No. 512, which empowers the AMP to unilaterally remove vessels from its registry if their owners appear on international sanctions lists. So far, Panama has cancelled 214 vessels and more than 12 million Gross Tonnage (GT).

It is important to note that the AMP carries out investigations into compliance with the international conventions ratified by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), due diligence, and recommendations of the United Nations Security Council Panel of Experts. Vessels that are identified to be in breach of national regulations are subject to administrative and economic sanctions, and even the cancellation of the registration (“de-flagging”).

Panama has, and will continue to comply with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and in line with Panama’s efforts to combat the financing of terrorism and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Additionally, the Government of Panama will continue to maintain close collaborations with the Government of the United States of America through the U.S. Embassy in Panama and the Department of State.

Panama tightens oversight on oil transfer operations

27 May 2025

In a move aligned with the standards of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Panama has strengthened its requirements for ship-to-ship (STS) oil transfer operations involving tankers registered under its flag. The objective: to shut the door on the so-called “shadow fleet” and reinforce the country’s standing as a responsible flag State.

The Panama Maritime Authority (PMA), through its Directorate General of Merchant Marine (DGMM), issued Resolution No. 106-035-DGMM of 2025 (published in Official Gazette 30271–A on May 6, 2025), which introduces stricter controls and mandatory traceability for offshore STS transfers of hydrocarbons.

“This initiative addresses the growing use of opaque vessels to circumvent international sanctions, transport undeclared crude, or evade environmental safety regulations—practices commonly associated with what is known as the shadow or dark fleet,” explained DGMM Acting Director, Engineer Rina Berrocal.

Effective immediately, all Panama-flagged vessels with a gross tonnage of 150 or more must notify the Flag State at least 48 hours in advance of any planned STS operation, providing detailed technical, logistical, and operational information.

The mandatory notification must include the following key data:

• Identification details of participating vessels (name, flag, IMO number)
• Coordinates and estimated time of the STS operation
• Type and quantity of hydrocarbons to be transferred
• Transfer method (underway or at anchor)
• Contact information of the Designated Person Ashore (DPA)
• Confirmation of the STS plan in accordance with Regulation 41 of the MARPOL Convention

In addition, vessels must update their STS operational plans to reflect this new notification requirement and retain onboard an electronic acknowledgment of receipt.

“This new regulation reinforces Panama’s role as a flag State committed to maritime safety, operational transparency, and the prevention of fraudulent use of its registry, in full alignment with IMO regulations and the MARPOL Convention,” Berrocal emphasized.

“This is not just about safeguarding the reputation of the Panamanian registry,” she warned, “but about ensuring that our vessels are not used as platforms for illicit activities that undermine global trade and harm the environment.”

PMA RECOVERS USD $8.5 MILLION IN OWED WAGES FOR SEAFARERS

27 May 2025

The Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) has strengthened its collaborative ties with the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) during a recent visit by ITF delegates to the General Directorate of Seafarers (DGGM). The meeting focused on reinforcing the protection and well-being of seafarers sailing under the Panamanian flag.

A central highlight of the meeting was the DGGM’s significant achievement in recovering USD $8.5 million in outstanding wages for seafarers by the end of 2024. This figure marks a 52.70% increase compared to the previous year’s recovery of USD $5,593,941.82—underscoring Panama’s commitment as a responsible maritime administration to ensuring decent work and compliance with international labor standards.

PMA’s proactive approach was further demonstrated through its handling of 271 inquiries and 312 labor-related complaints in 2024, which facilitated the safe repatriation of 368 crew members of various nationalities. These efforts were made possible through effective coordination with shipowners, operators, and Protection & Indemnity (P&I) Clubs. Additionally, the DGGM conducted 343 maritime labor inspections aboard both domestic and international service vessels.

Looking ahead to the remainder of 2025, the PMA reaffirms its commitment to the rigorous enforcement of national regulations and international conventions ratified by Panama, including the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), as amended, and the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended (MLC 2006).

Steve Trowsdale, ITF Inspectorate Coordinator, commended Panama’s efforts—particularly its management of labor complaints and the recovery of owed wages. He emphasized the productive nature of the dialogue, noting the value of exchanging perspectives and identifying areas for improvement, all in pursuit of a shared goal: safeguarding the rights and welfare of seafarers.

The ITF delegation also included Edgar Ortiz, ITF Regional Secretary for the Americas; Vladimir Small Ortiz, ITF National Coordinator and member of the Union of Marine Engineers (UIM); and Bernardo Campos, retired UIM member. The group was welcomed by senior officials from the DGGM.

This engagement highlights the importance of sustained collaboration between the PMA and ITF in ensuring fair treatment and proper working conditions for seafarers—with a particular emphasis on the timely resolution of wage claims and labor disputes.