Page 123 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΣΕΠΤΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ 2022

(*) Special acknowledgements to H.E. Julie Lymberopulos, Ambassador and General Consul of Panama in Greece, for her contribution and coordinating with
the Panama Maritime for their replies in the questions of Naftika Chronika

PANAMA STEADILY

GROWING

cising due diligence in aligning with environmental The AMP has also reinforced the following mecha-
and international transparency standards, promoting nisms to improve fleet performance in the different
the Registry through specialised media, investing regions supervised by Port State authorities partic-
in technology, and searching for new benefits and ipating in Inspections MoUs:
incentives for clients are also part of this strategy’s – The Directorate General of Merchant Marine
implementation. Resolution No.106-183 of August 03, 2020,
Becoming internationally competitive remains high enacted measures for the detection and action
on the agenda of Panama’s merchantmarine. To this against vessels detained multiple times to
end the Republic of Panama and the government improve their condition and performance and
of the People’s Republic of China have renewed mitigate the recurrence of detentions. It also
their Agreement on Maritime Transportation, which ratified sanctions against Recognised Organisa-
offers significant advantages to Panama-flagged tions (ROs) or ships that commit serious errors
vessels. A Business Intelligence Department has also that negatively impact the Panamanian Regis-
been established to strengthen the understanding try’s image.
between the two countries shipping businesses. – A flag inspection mechanism for vessels arriving
The Registry’s strategy includes a complete revision at US ports based on risk factors.
and update of its standards within 2022 to comply – A pre-arrival checklist for Australian ports to
with international market standards. assist ship owners, operators, technical manag-
In addition to the reengineering and reorienta- ers, designated persons ashore (DPA), and vessel
tion of the Registry, the strategy is contemplat- masters in detecting weak points that may result
ing, among other things, an aggressive and broad in detention through a Port State Control Inspec-
international marketing plan that includes creating tion by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
new departments, reassigning functions to exist- – An annual flag safety inspection for priority 1
ing departments or sections, and adopting new vessels arriving at any port in Italy, in line with
technologies. the Paris MOU inspection and screening scheme
At the same time, the Directorate General of for vessels.
Merchant Marine has introduced measures το – A flag safety inspection for vessels operating in
strengthen the flag inspection program, partic- the Paris MoU ports: the above resolution spec-
ularly on vessels calling at US ports eligible for ifies that all Panama-flagged vessels over 20
a US Coast Guard’s Port State Inspection (PSC), years of age arriving at any port of the signatory
and improve the control and compliance rate of countries of Paris MoU will be subject to a flag
the Panama Ship Registry fleet. safety inspection (ASI) every six (6) months.
These measures will encourage and promote a better Currently, the Panamanian fleet performance is
maritime industry by ensuring compliance with safety, at 96%. Still, it is expected to improve further by
security, and environmental standards. In addition, implementing the above actions that will reduce
the Registry is increasing the monitoring of vessels detentions and optimise the Registry’s perfor-
with deficiencies and detentions through regional mance in the various MoUs to which Panama
Port State Control regimes. is a party.

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