The Republic of Panama was re-elected with 148 votes in Category A of the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) during the 34th Assembly held in London.
“This strong international support once again highlights the country’s strategic importance within the global maritime sector and its firm commitment to strengthening the IMO,” communicated the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP).
“This achievement reflects the sustained and effective diplomatic work of the Permanent Mission of Panama to the IMO, carried out in close coordination with the AMP and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Together they actively worked to consolidate the support of Member States and reinforce Panama’s leadership in the international maritime arena,” it added.
In recent weeks, the Permanent Mission of Panama led an intense diplomatic campaign focused on strengthening strategic alliances and securing the support of IMO Member States.
“This result is supported by undeniable facts that include the key role of the Panama Canal in global trade routes, the country’s leadership as the largest ship registry in the world and its commitment to the highest international standards in safety, environmental protection and transparency,” emphasized the AMP.
During the Assembly, the Panamanian delegation, headed by the Secretary General of the AMP, Volney Guinard, the General Director of Merchant Marine, Ramón Franco, and the Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the IMO, Ginette Testa, held high-level meetings with maritime authorities from the United States, Greece, Belgium and Singapore.
These conversations highlighted Panama’s progress in modernizing its fleet, strengthening operational oversight and improvements in the performance of Port State Control.
“Panama continues to reaffirm its identity as a true maritime nation, with an economy, culture and development deeply linked to the sea. Its privileged geographical position, together with the Panama Canal -which handles nearly 6% of global maritime trade- and its ports on both oceans, strengthens global logistics chains by efficiently connecting more than 180 maritime routes,” underlined the AMP.
The Panama Ship Registry remains the largest in the world, with more than 8,700 vessels and 238 million gross registered tons, operating through a modern, digital and transparent platform aligned with international standards of safety and efficiency in maritime transport.
“With its re-election in Category A of the IMO Council, Panama continues to play a leading role in shaping global maritime policy and contributing to the development of safer and more efficient transport worldwide,” concluded the AMP.
