President Mulino & Japanese Shipowners Meet to Improve Panama Ship Registry
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[By:\u00a0Panama Maritime Authority]<\/p>\n
President Jos\u00e9 Ra\u00fal Mulino met with more than 40 representatives of shipping companies from Japan\u2019s Kanto region, where he presented Panama\u2019s new ship registry strategy aimed at safeguarding its global leadership through enhanced safety standards and fully digitalized processes.<\/p>\n
Mulino emphasized that Panama\u2019s registry is positioning itself as the flag of the future, driven by new policies aligned with international benchmarks for safety, efficiency, and environmental protection.<\/p>\n
The stakes are high for Japan: 7 out of 10 Japanese shipowners already fly the Panamanian flag, and 41% of Japan\u2019s total tonnage is registered under Panama. For Panama, consolidating its role as Japan\u2019s preferred registry is vital, as 66% of new shipbuilding comes from the Japanese market.<\/p>\n
Reflecting on the registry\u2019s long history dating back to the 1920s, Mulino stressed that unlike other registries, Panama\u2019s flag is not a maritime franchise but a national emblem backed by the full weight of the state. He also revealed that his administration is pushing forward a comprehensive modernization plan for the registry, framed within a broader maritime and logistics strategy that integrates the Canal and Panama\u2019s port system. \u201cThis plan will bring together our entire maritime cluster under what we now call the National Maritime Strategy\u2014the future of our country,\u201d Mulino declared, pledging to see this project through during his presidency. He underscored his vision of a more flexible Maritime Authority and registry that provides streamlined, user-friendly services. \u201cYou can count on Panama\u2019s registry to continue working in favor of the global maritime community, especially Japan,\u201d Mulino told the gathered shipowners.<\/p>\n
Joining him were Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) Administrator Luis Roquebert and Merchant Marine Director Ram\u00f3n Franco, both of whom reinforced the president\u2019s message.<\/p>\n
\u201cPanama has been the world\u2019s natural bridge since ancient times. The creation of our Ship Registry in the early 20th century, alongside the construction of the Canal, positioned the Isthmus as a global benchmark in ship registration\u2014changing the course of maritime history,\u201d Roquebert noted.<\/p>\n
He highlighted that the PMA has successfully diversified its services, now offering integrated solutions in over 50 countries. \u201cThanks to our broad network of partners and our expertise, we provide unmatched technical, legal, and diplomatic support,\u201d Roquebert said.<\/p>\n
For his part, Merchant Marine Director Ramon Franco presented \u201cThe Panamanian Ship Registry: Renewing Our Strategy for a New Era,\u201d outlining Panama\u2019s new direction and the competitive advantages it offers.<\/p>\n
He explained that the Mulino administration\u2019s guiding principle is quality over quantity,
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Franco also underlined Panama\u2019s pioneering role as the first registry to enforce mandatory traceability for ship-to-ship (STS) transfers, part of a strategy to modernize the fleet by gradually phasing out older tonnage and aligning with the IMO\u2019s decarbonization goals for 2050.<\/p>\n
As of August 25, 2025, Panama\u2019s ship registry includes 8,812 vessels totaling 241.5 million gross tons (GT), according to IHS Markit\u2014representing 14% of the global fleet, based on Clarksons Research\u2019s World Fleet Monitor.<\/p>\n
Franco reported that the new strategy is already delivering results: fewer accidents and a 13% increase in newbuilding registrations compared to the previous year. He closed by reminding Japanese shipowners that Panama\u2019s registry offers more than just a flag\u2014it comes with the full backing of a country that provides political and economic stability, a robust banking system, special economic zones, investment incentives, world-class logistics hubs, and, of course, the Panama Canal.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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