ClassNK has released Technical Information No. TEC-1367, dated 18 November 2025, detailing new obligations introduced by the Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) under the updated Merchant Marine Circular MMC-217. The revised circular establishes enhanced requirements for Ship-to-Ship (STS) Operations Plans for Panamanian-flagged oil tankers, marking a significant update to regulatory compliance standards.
New Requirements for STS Operations Plans
Under the revised MMC-217, all Panamanian-flagged oil tankers of 150 GT and above engaged in STS oil cargo transfers must update their STS Operations Plans. The rule excludes certain operations, such as bunkering, transfers within Panama’s territorial waters under Resolution J.D. No. 038-2022, FPSO/FSU activities, emergency operations, state-vessel transfers, and fishing operations.
The updated plans must now comply with:
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The IMO Manual on Oil Pollution, Section I – Prevention
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The ICS/OCIMF Ship to Ship Transfer Guide (2013)
In addition, plans must include detailed information for flag-state notification, such as:
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Tanker identity and operation schedule
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Transfer location and mode
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Oil type and quantity
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Contact information for each vessel’s Designated Person Ashore
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MARPOL Annex I Regulation 41 compliance confirmation
ClassNK must approve all updated plans, which must be kept onboard. A statutory note requires owners to complete revisions before the first annual, intermediate, or renewal IOPP survey after 6 August 2025.
New Reporting Obligations and Approval Procedures
From 6 August 2025, operators must notify the PMA of any STS operation at least 48 hours in advance via the E-Segumar platform. The acknowledgement received must be stored electronically for three years.
ClassNK surveyors will verify carriage of the updated plan by the next applicable IOPP survey. Operators must submit updates through an APP-DWG (Application for Drawing Approval) and may apply via ClassNK offices in Shanghai, Busan, or Singapore.
A PMA flag surcharge of USD 75 (as of July 2025) will apply in addition to standard plan-approval fees.
The updated circular also reflects new references in Item 2 “Additional Requirements”, though the notice ends with “To be continued,” indicating further updates may follow.
The revised MMC-217 significantly strengthens regulatory oversight for STS operations under the Panamanian flag. With stricter reporting timelines, enhanced documentation requirements, and updated compliance standards aligned with IMO and ICS/OCIMF guidance, both shipowners and operators must act promptly to update their STS Operations Plans before their next IOPP survey after August 2025. These measures reflect Panama’s commitment to improving safety and environmental protection during oil cargo transfer operations.
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Source: PORT NEWS
