Panama to send mission to China to protect maritime registry

Panama City, Jul 2 (Prensa Latina) Panama will send a high-level commission to China to address the detention of ships flying the Panamanian flag in Chinese ports, a situation that currently threatens the maritime registry under the Tokyo Memorandum of Understanding (Tokyo MOU).

July 2, 2026
18:58

President Jose Raul Mulino noted that the government hopes to hold a high-level meeting with Chinese authorities to seek a diplomatic solution to a problem affecting hundreds of vessels registered under the Panamanian flag.

During his annual report to the National Assembly (Parliament), Mulino explained that although the detentions show a downward trend, the cumulative impact is critical and could affect the international rating of the fleet, considered the largest in the world.

Data from the Tokyo MOU, compiled by the Panama Maritime Chamber, points out that between January and June 2026, nearly 470 Panamanian vessels were detained in Chinese ports, with a sustained increase during March, April, and May.

As part of the measures to address the situation, Mulino announced that the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) has implemented a 24/7 service to provide immediate assistance to ship owners and operators, especially in Asia, where the time difference could delay the processing of technical and administrative procedures by up to a day.

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