- Panama’s Maritime Authority has strengthened regulations for ship-to-ship operations involving Panama-flagged vessels in response to growing concerns over the use of dark-fleet tankers for sanctions evasion.
- The move comes amid increased U.S. pressure on major ship registries, including Panama’s, which accounts for more than 8,500 vessels globally.
- Panama now requires prior notification for such transfers, mandating detailed reporting on cargo, location, and compliance with maritime norms to curb illicit oil trading practices.
In a bid to curb the rising use of illicit shipping practices, Panama’s Maritime Authority has announced stricter monitoring measures for ship-to-ship (STS) operations carried out by Panama-flagged vessels. This decision follows heightened global scrutiny over the so-called “dark fleet”—a network of tankers allegedly used to bypass sanctions and environmental protocols, according to Reuters.
U.S. Pressure and Global Accountability
The United States has been urging nations with sizable shipping registries, including Panama, to take more active roles in preventing sanctions violations. With over 8,500 vessels flying its flag, Panama plays a key role in global maritime trade. Former U.S. President Donald Trump had previously threatened to take action against the Panama Canal in response to the proliferation of dark-fleet tankers transporting sanctioned oil.
Registry Clean-Up Efforts
After investigations revealed non-compliance with international norms, Panama has already delisted several vessels from its registry. Earlier this year, the Maritime Authority reiterated that Panama is not a refuge for vessels engaged in sanctions evasion or illegal activity.
New STS Notification Rules
This month’s resolution mandates that all Panama-flagged vessels over 150 gross tons must notify the Maritime Authority at least 48 hours before any STS transfer. The notification must include detailed information about the vessels involved, the location of the transfer, the type and volume of hydrocarbons to be handled, and confirmation of adherence to international maritime regulations.
Curbing the Dark Fleet’s Tactics
Dark-fleet vessels often attempt to conceal their activities by disabling AIS (Automatic Identification System) transponders or falsifying location data to avoid detection. Panama’s updated regulatory framework aims to counteract such tactics, reinforcing transparency and compliance in its shipping registry.
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Source: Reuters
