Panama is currently the leader in flagging ships worldwide and had, on October, 31, 2008, 8,159 ships sailing international waters under the Panama flag. It is followed by Liberia, with 2,312 ships, then by Bahamas with 486 ships.

Source: Prensa.com

More on this topic

The Challenges of the Panama Canal

September 2018

Increased cargo traffic, improving the availability of water for the passage of ships and construction of the rolling cargo port, are some of the challenges the authorities of the interoceanic route face for the coming years.

Representatives from the Panama Canal Authority reported that the levels of traffic currently being reported have already reached the figures expected to be reached in 2020.

Panama: Audit of Flag Certifications for Ships

December 2014

From January 2015 companies that inspect and certify foreign ships under the Panamanian flag must be audited by the Maritime Authority so that the quality of services provided can be assessed.

From the resolution given by the Board of the Maritime Authority of Panama:

First article: order execution of an AUDIT PLAN for all auxiliary entities which are Recognized Organizations, Classification Societies and Recognized Security Organizations approved by the Republic of Panama, for the purpose of determining management, competition, means, capacity and quality of services, which will start from 2015, under the parameters of Resolution MSC.349 (92) adopted on July 21, 2013, Resolution No. 106-11-DGMM of March 16, 2009. ... And the international conventions ratified by the Republic of Panama.

Panama Opens Canal in Almirante Port

May 2009

With an investment of $3.2 million, a new access channel to the Almirante terminal in Bocas del Toro was inaugurated.

The channel, initiated in August 2007, has a length of 31.8 kilometers, and it is 100 meters wide with a depth of 14.5 meters.

Raúl Castillo wrote in laestrella.com.pa: "The Director General of Ports said that producers from the provinces of Chiriquí and Bocas del Toro are expected to have an opportunity to increase the volume of domestic exports with the first landfall, mainly because the depth of this channel will allow ships to be fully loaded, according to international parameters regarding cargo loads."

Maritime Ministry proposed for Panama

August 2008

The president of the Panama Maritime Chamber (CMP), Ruben Karamañites proposes that a Maritime Ministry be established.

In order for the maritime sector, which represents 20% of the GDP of Panama, to have representation on the Cabinet Council, the creation of a Maritime Ministry is being proposed.