Panama Registry Cracks Down on STS Actions to Stop Shadow Fleet

The Panamanian-flagged tanker Themir sent a distress signal about a hijacking on Monday about 90 kilometers off the Iranian coast. British maritime security company Ambrey said it was a false alarm and that the ship had previously sent a false hijacking signal. The ship’s unusual trajectory suggested that the tanker was transferring sanctioned Iranian oil to another vessel on the high seas, which is bound for China. At least 350 million barrels …

Panama Registry Cracks Down on STS Actions to Stop Shadow Fleet

The Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) is taking further actions to crack down on suspicious tankers by establishing new rules for ship-to-ship oil tran...

Panama Tightens Noose on STS Oil Transfer

In an effort to tackle the ‘shadow fleet’ and reinforce its standing as a responsible flag State, Panama has bolstered its requirements for ship-to-ship (STS) oil transfer operations. The Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) issued Resolution No. 106-035-DGMM of 2025 through its Directorate General of Merchant Marine. In a statement, Engineer Rina Berrocal, DGMM Acting Director, Panama has amended its requirements for STS oil transfer operations, tar…

Panama-Flagged Vessels Must Notify Authority Of Ship-To-Ship Transfers

By Elida Moreno PANAMA CITY, May 23 (Reuters) – Panama’s Maritime Authority said on Friday it will reinforce controls for ship-to-ship operations by Panama-flagged vessels, following an increase in the use of...

Panama Maritime Authority Brings New Rule For STS Transfers To Deal With Russian Shadow Fleet

Panama has vowed to crack down on suspicious tankers and has laid down new regulations for ship-to-ship oil transfers for vessels in its registry.

Panama tightens oversight on oil transfer operations

In a move aligned with the standards of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Panama has strengthened its requirements for ship-to-ship (STS) oil transfer operations involving tankers registered under its flag. The objective: to shut the door on the so-called “shadow fleet” and reinforce the country’s standing as a responsible flag State. The Panama Maritime Authority (PMA), through its Directorate General of Merchant Marine (DGMM), iss…