Panama Imposes Stricter STS Rules to Combat Shadow Fleet

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Mfame Editor
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  • New STS Transfer Rules for Panama-Flagged Tankers from August 2025.
  • PMA Tightens Oil Transfer Rules Amid Dark Fleet Crackdown.
  • Panama Mandates 48-Hour Notice for STS Transfers.

The Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) has rolled out circular MMC-217, which brings in tougher regulations for ship-to-ship (STS) oil cargo transfers. These new rules are designed to crack down on illegal activities linked to the so-called dark fleet or shadow fleet, reports LR.

New STS Requirements for Panama-Flagged Oil Tankers

Starting from August 6, 2025, all Panama-flagged oil tankers that are 150 GT and above and involved in STS operations, whether they’re discharging, receiving, or doing both, will need to follow these guidelines:

  1. The plans must now include “Transfer Notification” details as specified in MMC-217, paragraph 6.6.
  2. Shipowners are required to submit the necessary information at least 48 hours before any planned STS transfer.
  3. Notifications should be made through the Panama Flag State’s E-Segumar platform.
  4. Not adhering to these notification rules could lead to administrative penalties in line with Panama’s maritime regulations.

Alignment with IMO Measures Against Shadow Fleet

These Panama-specific requirements align with IMO Resolution A.1192(33), which aims to tackle shadow fleet operations. The PMA’s regulations build on existing IMO requirements, including:

  1. MARPOL Annexe I, Chapter 8: This mandates that tankers conduct STS oil transfers under an approved STS operations plan.
  2. MARPOL Annexe I, Regulation 42: This requires that Coastal Flag States be informed of STS operations within their territorial sea or EEZ, if they are a party to MARPOL.

Actions for Shipowners and Operators

Shipowners need to make sure that the updated STS plan is on board and ready for inspection during the first IOPP Certificate survey, whether it’s annual, intermediate, or renewal, that takes place after August 6, 2025. At that time, surveyors will check to ensure everything meets the new requirements.

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Source: LR