Panama Maritime Authority Introduces New Regulations for STS Transfers to Address Russian Shadow Fleet Concerns

The Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) is stepping up its game against dubious tankers by introducing fresh regulations for ship-to-ship oil transfers involving vessels registered under its flag. This move comes in response to growing global concerns about ships attempting to obscure transactions related to Russian and Iranian oil within Panamanian waters.

Acting Director of DGMM, Engineer Rina Berrocal, emphasized that these new rules are crucial not just for maintaining the integrity of Panama’s maritime registry but also for ensuring that their vessels aren’t misused for illegal activities. It’s all about keeping things above board and adhering to international standards set by the IMO and MARPOL Convention.

To keep tabs on offshore ship-to-ship (STS) hydrocarbon transfers, the PMA has mandated that any Panama-flagged vessel with a gross tonnage of 150 or more must notify the authority at least 48 hours before any planned STS operation. This notification should include comprehensive details about the transfer process.

This regulation aims to track down ships involved in evading sanctions or transporting unreported crude oil—practices frequently enough linked with what’s known as the shadow fleet. Under these guidelines, vessels must provide details such as their IMO number and flag state while demonstrating compliance with MARPOL standards during transfers.

In a bid to enhance transparency, PMA took significant steps in 2024 to streamline its registry cleanup process, making it easier to remove non-compliant vessels. As one of the largest registries globally by vessel count—and notably home to many ships engaged in Russian and Iranian oil trade—Panama is keen on reinforcing its reputation.

Additionally, Panama is collaborating with other maritime registries worldwide to identify ships attempting “flag hopping”—a tactic used by some operators trying to evade detection while engaging in questionable activities. By working together across borders, they aim for a more robust approach against illicit maritime operations.

In essence, these proactive measures reflect Panama’s commitment not only towards safeguarding its own interests but also contributing positively towards global maritime safety and environmental protection efforts.