The Maritime Chamber of Panama (CMP) supported the State of that country, in light of the increase in detentions of vessels flying the Panamanian flag in China.
The organization expressed “its support for the efforts being carried out by the Panamanian State in relation to the increase recorded in detentions of Panamanian-flagged vessels in ports of the People’s Republic of China.”
“As a representative guild of the Panamanian maritime sector, we recognize the importance of the controls implemented by the Port State Control, which are fundamental to guaranteeing maritime safety, the protection of the marine environment, and compliance with international conventions,” stated the Chamber.
“The available statistics reflect a significant variation in detentions of Panamanian-flagged vessels during recent months. According to information from the Tokyo MoU, as of June 25, 2026, the following figures were recorded in Chinese ports: January: 23 – February: 20 – March: 93 – April: 135 – May: 141 – June (as of the 25th): 58,” the CMP explained.
“This represents a cumulative total of 470 detentions in approximately six months, with an average of 45.3 monthly detentions in the first quarter and 111.3 in the second quarter, which represents an increase of 145.6% between both quarters, and an increase compared to the historical behavior of the Panamanian fleet in that market. These figures motivate the Panamanian State to promote technical and diplomatic dialogue with the competent authorities, in order to understand the circumstances behind this trend and find joint solutions,” stated the Chamber.
“The CMP supports that all inspections or control measures be applied under strictly technical, objective, transparent, and non-discriminatory criteria, guaranteeing equal treatment for all flags in accordance with international conventions and the best practices of the international maritime system. Given the technical, commercial, and reputational complexity of the issue, we consider it valuable for this situation to be addressed through a specific and specialized channel between the competent authorities of both countries, aimed at finding constructive responses and preserving the mutual interests that unite us,” the organization emphasized.
“We reiterate our support for the diplomatic and technical efforts being carried out by the Panamanian State, and we call for prioritizing spaces for high-level technical dialogue that allow clarifying the situation, strengthening the historical relations between Panama and the People’s Republic of China, and consolidating the commercial and maritime ties that have benefited both nations for decades. We are convinced that mutual understanding and cooperation will be the path to preserve and deepen a strategic relationship that transcends the governments in power,” the CMP stated.
