The Republic of Panama, through the Panama Maritime Authority, participated in the “Philippines Maritime Expo 2023: Flag State and Shipbuilders Convention” which brought together the main shipping registries in the world, as well as prominent exhibitors from the world maritime industry, shipyards, shipowners, technology and maritime safety, with the purpose of acquiring and expanding knowledge about maritime regulations for the registration of vessels, the maritime infrastructures of the Flag State and the regulations established by the International Maritime Organization.

It also granted the opportunity for owners and operators in the various sectors of the maritime industry to meet with service providers, facilitating a venue to showcase products and services for both local and international participants and stakeholders.

The Administrator of the Panama Maritime Authority, Noriel Arauz highlighted the maritime trade relationship between Panama and the Philippines, which dates back more than 450 years, taking into consideration that in 1571 the route of the “Manila Galleon” was the first maritime route trade in history, linking Manila with American ports, including Panama. He also pointed out that “today more than ever it is necessary to recognize the contribution of the Philippines to maritime trade and especially to the maritime progress of Panama and our Registry of Ships. Please receive my sincere thanks to the entire Philippine country, we are sister nations and allies, strengthened every day by the power of our historic maritime relationship.

For his part, the Director of the General Directorate of Seafarers (DGGM), of the AMP, Captain Juan Maltez spoke about: “the Impact of the Panama Maritime Authority on the Maritime, Port and Logistics industry”, where he weighed  the different services provided by the institution, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, playing a very important role in the development of the global logistics platform, with the responsible administration of its merchant fleet, the training of seafarers who sail aboard its ships and in the conservation of our seas.

The AMP together with the Embassy of Panama in the Philippines presented a stand that attracted the attention of businessmen, students (cadets), which had Panamanian personnel from the Manila Regional Documentation Office (ORD) as well as Filipino collaborators, where they offered the necessary information to obtain Panamanian licenses, certifications for ships, accreditations of Maritime Training Centers (CFM) and Medical Centers Authorized by Panama. The services provided by the General Directorate of Merchant Marine (DGGM) were also exposed by the SEGUMAR division in ORD Manila. Information was also offered on the requirements to have a vessel registered in a flag state and how to comply with all the maritime rules and provisions in accordance with international maritime regulations.

Our participation in this fair was a valuable opportunity to increase the visibility of the services provided by the AMP, in addition to reinforcing our presence in the Philippines, a world reference country in the training of seamen and seafarers who have great significance for the Panamanian fleet, the biggest in the world.