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IFC PMR19 Boskalis 1 30/10/2019 12:18 CONTENTS
3 Foreword: ACP Administrator Dr Ricaurte Vasquez 5 SeaAsia 7 The Panama Canal 17 Construction & Expansion of the Canal 23 Customers of the Canal 31 US Ports: Moving with the times 36 Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) 43 Panama Ship Registry 49 Port Development 59 Bunkering 67 Logistics 71 Shipping Services 107 Legal Services 113 The Economy 116 Cruise 120 Tourism 124 Map 126 Port Facilities 128 Useful Information 129 Directory
Published in November 2019 by
© Seatrade, Informa Group, Sheepen Place, Colchester, Essex CO3 3LP, UK. www.seatrade-maritime.com • www.seatrade-cruise.com
Editorial: Michele Labrut
Sales: Christophe Cahen - [email protected] Jorge Rojas - [email protected] US consultant: Jacqueline Hutman Design & Production: Fiona Hockey Photography: Arnulfo Franco - [email protected] Main cover picture: Adobe Stock
Although every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this publication is correct, the Panama Canal Authority, Panama Maritime Authority and Seatrade, Informa Markets, a trading division of Informa PLC, accept no liability for any inaccuracies or omissions that may occur. All rights reserved. Replication or redistribution in whole or in part is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Informa.
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002PMA PMR19 Panama AMP 19 11 30/10/201917/10/2019 11:5309:39 FOREWORD • ADMINISTRATOR OF PANAMA CANAL AUTHORITY
to secure the capacity and efficiency Facilitator of trade for shippers. This is how remarkable milestones have been achieved over the his year, we will the inauguration of the Neopanamax past year across segments, increasing the commemorate 20 years since locks, our customers have reaffirmed maximum allowable beam and length the transfer of the Panama their confidence in the stewardship of overall to allow the transit of the first Canal to the Panamanian the Canal as they reroute their vessels to Q-Flex LNG tanker and the largest Tpeople. Despite the original scepticism capitalise on considerable reductions in containership to-date. about the ability of Panamanians to time, cost and greenhouse gas emissions. manage and operate one of the most The Panama Canal’s success is the important assets of global maritime As such, traditional containerised cargoes, result of our team’s effort, hard work, trade, Panama has proven that it energy products, vehicle carriers and dry innovation, integrity, and commitment could not only successfully operate bulkers, as well as new market segments and the close collaboration with our the waterway, but also that it was such as liquefied natural gas, have customers and many actors in the able to oversee the development discovered the new economies of scale of industry who continuously support us and construction of the largest the all-water route using larger vessels and share their knowledge and expertise infrastructure project since its opening and shorter distances, not only lowering to develop joint creative solutions. We in 1914. The Canal's expansion is a their per unit cost of transportation, but look forward to continue exceeding tremendous feat of engineering and also contributing to the fight against expectations for our customers, while logistics, which brought the waterway climate change. The Panama Canal is offering a reliable, sustainable and into the 21st century, reassuring its estimated to have saved more than 750m competitive service and, at the same time, rightful role as a facilitator of trade, tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions over strengthening our relationship with the while driving progress for the country. the course of its history. shipping industry.
During these 20 years, tonnage through More than 7,000 Neopanamax transits We would like to reaffirm our partnership the Panama Canal has increased in line later, the Panama Canal continues to with Seatrade and invite readers to with the evolving needs of the maritime exceed expectations for the maritime discover in the next few pages more about industry. The Canal was able to meet industry. Our team’s constant search the Panama Canal and the country's reliably the rising transit demand for ways to improve the operations maritime sector. stemming from globalisation during the of the Neopanamax locks and the early 2000s and, in this way, it has also administration’s commitment to continued Dr Ricaurte Vasquez contributed to the development of other investment into its operations and Administrator nations through trade. Three years since infrastructure have allowed the waterway Panama Canal Authority
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004 PMR19 ACP 1 30/10/2019 11:54 SEA ASIA
Caption
Focusing on the environment, regulation and technology A burden on shipping?
anama was once again present 9, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) anniversary. And we meet again today at Sea Asia Exhibition administrator and ceo Jorge Quijano was to assure you that we will continue to and-Conference 2019, one of the speakers, participating in the provide service of excellence that made us from 9 April to April 11, session on ‘will economic concerns trump the world’s largest ship registry,’ said Jorge Porganised by Informa Markets and improving fundamentals?’ with Keith Barakat, minister of maritime affairs. co-organised with the Singapore Denholm from J&J Denholm Ltd and Maritime Foundation. Sea Asia 2019 Ralph Leszczynski of Banchero Costa. The ‘Panama Ship Registry has a policy was inaugurated by Singapore’s Senior session was moderated by Marcus Hand, to guarantee strict compliance with Minister of State, Ministry of Transport editor of Seatrade Maritime News. The all international regulations and IMO & Ministry of Communications and conference this year brought 861 delegates conventions with regards to the safety Information, Janil Puthucheary. from around the world who came to listen of navigation to prevent pollution of the to 43 international prominent speakers. maritime environment, which has allowed The international maritime industry Panama to be part of the white list of famous rendezvous set another record The Panama pavillion was a large booth the Paris MoU and Tokyo MoU.’ • with close to 15,000 participants, 80 reuniting the Panama Maritime Authority participating countries and regions, (AMP), the ACP and the Ministry of Trade 440 exhibiting companies, 13 national where the delegates welcome visitors. pavillions and 9,088sq mtr net of exhibition space. The Conference The AMP reception, held on the addressed the key issues of the moment, second day, Wednesday 10, gathered focusing on the environment, regulation ship owners from Singapore and and technology, and the links between all other Asian jurisdictions, shipping three, with an interesting parliamentary agents and managers, foreign delegates debate on the environmental burden on and maritime personalities. shipping and whether it is too great. ‘Two years ago, we were here to celebrate On the first day of the Conference, April Panama Ship Registry's 100 year
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The Canal must tackle the challenges of water economics New encounters
n September 5, the Panama tackle the opportunities and challenges (2012-2019). As we go to press, FY2019 has Canal administrator Jorge of water economics,’ said Vasquez. not concluded yet but ‘this year we must Quijano bid farewell to the finish well above budgetry expectations. institution where he spent As the global economy is also in It will be a very good year,’ said Quijano. Oalmost all his career, leaving the future constant change, ‘we have to look at He estimated that for FY2019 between of the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) the viability of the markets, now in a 460m and 463m tonnes (PC/UMS) will in the hands of Dr Ricaurte Vasquez return-cycle, and attend the necessary pass through the Canal, a figure higher who was designated administrator by technological changes required in the than the initially projected 450m tonnes. the Panama Canal Board of Directors. global economy which has become more That figure would exceed the previous intra-regional than global as the main cargo record set in 2018, when total cargo A new era opened for the waterway that regions interconnect themselves. And that volume reached 442m tonnes. The Panama was transferred to Panama, December 31, needs a different approach,’ he added. Canal also expects toll revenues of $2,525m 1999. The expanded Canal, inaugurated for this fiscal year, a record amount. June 26, 2016, has brought bigger The Panama Canal will close its FY2019 vessels, additional cargo and revenues, (October 1, 2018-September 30, 2019) with The Canal is no stranger to world becoming a game changer for the a record of revenue and tonnage, despite politics as around 2.3% of global trade shipping industry and maritime trade. the commercial war between the US and goes through the waterway which is an China, said former Canal administrator essential shipping route between east Now, the challenges faced by Dr Ricaurte Jorge Quijano ahead of finishing his term and west maritime traffic, making it Vasquez, are quite different from those of his predecessor who oversaw the conclusion of the Canal expansion.
‘The country and the waterway confront a serious problem of insufficient water. Finding or creating new sources of water supply has become a key issue, but it is not the sole responsibility of the Canal, thus commanding the encouragement and assistance of all of Panamanians to repair the decades of neglect aggravated by a growing population. We will need to refresh the methods by which the Canal must
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ai157244962917_ITI PAGINA REVISTA.pdf 1 30/10/2019 15:33
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Farewell – by Administrator Jorge Quijano
Upon taking over as the Administrator of the Panama Canal in September 2012, the future appeared to be full of challenges. I was just the third Panamanian to lead the waterway, tasked with navigating the organisation through a shifting industry and uncertain global economy. We were also mid-way through our expansion programme, the largest enhancement project ever undertaken by the waterway, and beginning to advance new projects like the construction of a new bridge over the Canal on the Atlantic side.
While we still had a long way to go in our transformation, I assured the international maritime community that the Canal’s legacy was rooted in embracing challenges. Seven years later, expanded Canal. This month, the construction of the iconic pre- I can look back and say our team surpassed even our most stressed concrete cable-stayed Atlantic Bridge over the Canal ambitious expectations. was also completed.
Since its inauguration in 2016, the expanded Canal has proven The Canal's strategic location has enabled vessels to shorten the itself as a tremendous feat of engineering and transformative distance compared to alternate routes, thus reducing costs and force for global trade. Key segments like liquefied petroleum greenhouse gas emissions. In combination with the introduction gas (LPG) and liquefied natural gas (LPG) have taken advantage of the expanded Canal, which offers greater cargo carrying of the route's ability to accommodate the larger vessels, offering capacity and requires less cargo movements, the waterway is a highly competitive route for US gas deliveries to major global estimated to have saved more than 800m tonnes of carbon importers with significant reductions in voyage time. Further, dioxide (CO2) emissions over the course of its history. This the expanded Panama Canal has contributed to significant is in addition to the 140m tonnes of CO2 captured through infrastructure investments across US ports in order to capitalise conservation measures in the Panama Canal watershed, and on economies of scale. 3.5m tonnes of CO2 reduced through the Canal’s environmental economic incentive programme. Over the past seven years, the waterway has also exponentially increased tonnage while continuing to invest in its operations I am deeply thankful for the performance of our dedicated infrastructure and equipment thus enhancing capacity, transit workforce, supportive fellow Panamanians and loyal customers efficiency, reliability and safety. The team continues to achieve who made the past seven years so fruitful. I will leave the Canal new remarkable records across segments. In the past year alone, well-positioned for its next era of growth and have tremendous we welcomed the transit of the first Q-Flex LNG tanker and the confidence in the new leadership’s ability to build off our strong largest containership to-date exceeding the 15,000teu threshold. foundation. If my 44-year long career at the waterway taught We also set a new daily tonnage record with 1.706m Panama me anything, it’s to never underestimate our team’s ability Canal tonnes (PC/UMS) on August 16, and have reached the to exceed expectations, and I look forward to watching the 7,000th Neopanamax transit since the inauguration of the waterway’s next chapter unfold.
sensible to global trade policies, and of tariffs,’ said Quijano at the time. more LNG and LPG from the US, which the so-called trade war between China resulted in Japan to displacing China and the United States is no exception. ‘The biggest impact on us thus far as the second largest user of the Canal. was a reduction of approximately ‘But we have recovered in tonnage For the Panama Canal, where the US $36m in exports from the US to what was projected in the Master Plan is the largest customer, authorities China via the Panama Canal, from [of the Canal expansion], commented announced mid-June, that Japan had the Gulf and East coast ports to Asia, Silvia de Marucci, ACP manager market overtaken China as the second biggest particularly in LNG, LPG, petroleum research and customer relations. user of the waterway largely because products, crude oil and chemicals.’ ‘And we are on target on revenues.’ of the escalating dispute between Washington and Beijing. Asia is buying Also grain exports from the US However, container traffic increased less from the US therefore shipments Gulf to China fell significantly with because of the ‘extra loaders’ put in place of LNG and LPG have slowed down, approximately an $8m impact on Canal to arrive before the full implementation according to Quijano. ‘We began to feel an revenues. Plastic resins exports from the of the US tariffs on Chinese goods. impact around October-November 2018. US Gulf ports, mainly Houston, to China We saw some decreases [in volume] but also registered a considerable drop in The Panama Canal continues to receive also additional transits to the US East volume through the waterway. However, good ratings from the specialised Coast, in preparation for the increase South Korea and Japan have been buying agencies. For the fourth consecutive
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BUNKERING Americas Europe Middle East & Africa Southeast Asia KNOWLEDGE SINCE 2002
2020 READY with the largest and most modern tanker in the Panama Canal
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year, Fitch Ratings has affirmed with a privileged geographical position. ‘extraordinary legal framework’ as the Panama Canal's 'A' investment contributing to institutional, operational grade rating with a stable outlook Fitch Ratings reaffirming the Panama and financial autonomy, as well as for its long-term issuer default rating Canal's rating for a fourth consecutive sustained profitable operations across and its senior unsecured notes. year is proof of the waterway's financial administrations. The ratings also and competitive strength and is the reflect the Panama Canal's strong The credit rating agency noted that the direct result of the Canal’s commitment ability to modify tariffs that have Panama Canal is ‘an underlying asset to maintain profitable operations, strategically influenced demand and that is critical not only for Panama, while providing customers with a safe, contributed to steady revenue growth. but for international commerce, as efficient, and reliable service to meet demonstrated by its stable volume the increasing needs of the maritime In May 2019, Standard & Poor's (S&P) performance, solid competitive position, industry,’ said Canal officials. Global Ratings raised the Panama Canal's and well-diversified cargo mix,’ causing rating to 'A' from 'A-', ranking the Canal the Panama Canal volume profile to Fitch Ratings highlighted also the two notches above that of the sovereign exhibit high levels of resilience. In Panama Canal's legal framework that foreign currency. In addition, Moody's addition, Fitch Ratings distinguished provides autonomy to the entity. Fitch Investment Services stated that the A1 the Canal as a key player in global trade Ratings cited the Panama Canal's rating of the Panama Canal's reflects its
The new Administrator understanding of the inside-administration and operations of the waterway giving him a timing advantage for his future work.
As it will soon enter into the third decade of Panamanian administration, the expanded Canal faces a different situation and a particular environment at the end of 2019, notes Vasquez.
‘First, we have to look at the viability of the markets, now in a return-cycle, and attend the necessary technological changes required in the global economy which has become more New Panama Canal intra-regional than global as the main regions interconnect Administrator Dr Ricaurte Vasquez themselves. And that needs a different approach,’ he says.
By unanimous decision, the Panama Canal’s Board of Directors ‘Panama’s role has also evolved because of its location in Latin elected February 15, 2019, Ricaurte Vasquez to become the America, a region today of minor growth; the US is presently in waterway’s administrator on September 5, this year. ‘It is a great a re-definition stage which the Canal must understand it has to day for the Canal,’ said its board’s president Roberto Roy. serve it differently from now on.’
‘Catin’ Vasquez as he is known by friends, politicians and all ‘The country and the waterway confront a serious problem of the Canal’s employees, comes back to the Canal at a crucial insufficient water. Finding or creating new sources of water period to lead the waterway through its next era of growth. supply has become a key issue but it is not the sole responsibility He combines both a corporative business experience and of the Canal, thus commanding the encouragement and knowledge of the Canal’s challenges ahead. assistance of all of us [Panamanians] to repair the decades of neglect aggravated by a growing population. We will need A renowned economist with a PhD in Managerial Economics to refresh the methods by which the Canal must tackle the from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and more than 30 years opportunities and challenges of water economics.’ of experience in financial and international capital market management and in the public sector, Vasquez became the first Competitiveness for Vasquez means ‘not being conformist, but Panamanian finance director of the then- bilateral Panamanian- aggressive’ in the search for new business opportunities. ‘If US Panama Canal Commission in 1996, playing a role in laying improving the service Panama provides the world, we have to the groundwork for the transition to Panama and the waterway identify other business options, we have to get there.’ expansion programme. ‘Catin’ Vasquez will become the fourth Panamanian He later served as deputy administrator (2000-2004) to then administrator of the waterway shortly before it celebrates the be Minister for Canal Affairs and Chairman of Panama Canal 20th anniversary of the transfer to Panama, December 31, 2019. Board of Directors from 2004 to 2006. From there Catin Vasquez went to the private sector as General Electric's ceo Past Panamanian Administrators include Jorge Quijano for Central America and the Caribbean and later its executive (2012-2019), Alberto Aleman Zubieta (1996-2012) and Gilberto director and vice president. Vasquez has already a good Guardia (1990-96).
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strong performance after the opening as a result of the new regulations. water availability, air quality, of the Neopanamax locks mid-2016. renewable energy, energy efficiency The Panama Canal and UN and electric mobility, among others. On January 1, 2020, the global Environment signed July 25, a maritime community will adopt new cooperation agreement today to join By constitutional mandate, the ambitious emission standards set by the efforts on sustainable development Panama Canal is responsible for the International Maritime Organisation and combatting climate change. The management, maintenance, use and (IMO). Aimed at reducing the industry’s agreement includes the exchange conservation of the water resources carbon footprint, the transition from the of experiences and knowledge, the of the watershed, which includes the current 3.5% sulphur cap on fuel content development of programs and research water in the lakes and tributaries. to 0.5% has begun to spur significant in areas of shared interest, and changes that disrupt ‘business as usual.’ human resources training across both To guarantee water availability institutions. The disruption of rainfall and quality, the Panama Canal To ease into and take advantage of patterns due to climate change is one of works closely with communities on the new guidelines, the Panama Canal the main threats to water levels in the sustainability projects in the Colon has already undertaken a series of watershed of the Canal, that sustains and Panama Provinces. These efforts initiatives to position the waterway’s more than two million inhabitants, include reforestation initiatives competitive advantage in a post-IMO while producing energy and enabling the and the Environmental Economic 2020 business environment. From operation of the interoceanic route. The Incentives Programme (PIEA). providing new incentives for reduced arrangement includes cooperation efforts emissions to forging new international between both organisations in areas The waterway also promotes a rewards partnerships, the Canal is well- such as the creation and management programme for ships that meet the positioned to capitalise on market of environmental economic incentives, highest standards of environmental demand for efficient and shorter routes integrated watershed management, performance and promote the
First woman to become Deputy Administrator, Ilya Espino de Marotta
She is daring, commands respect and the Canal is really a company of the 21st century, since receives it. being a woman was irrelevant in its determination to choose Marotta. Her capacity simply made her the right person for Ilya Espino de Marotta will become the position for which the Board of Directors wanted a Canal on January 1, 2020, the first professional to complement the designation of Dr Ricaurte woman to be designated Deputy Vasquez as administrator. Administrator of the Panama Canal. Until then, she was evp of Analysts of the sector who know Dr Vasquez and Marotta transit businesses. However, her are quick to praise their talents and describe the ‘team as great exposure came when she was very complementary. Both are down-the-earth and extremely appointed in 2012 evp of engineering knowledgeable of what the waterway must plan for in the and programmes management with years to come.’ the responsibility of overseeing the Canal expansion to its completion and its inauguration June 26, 2016. Looking at the future, she describes her job as being ‘what the Administrator will decide’ but said: ‘I believe my focus will A marine engineer from Texas A&M University with a Masters in be more operational, doing the tasks he will assign me. It is engineering economics from Panama’s Santa Maria La Antigua important that we look into improving efficiencies and there University, she joined the then Panama Canal Commission in are many sectors where we can do that, in particular labour 1985, working as a marine engineer at the Canal shipyard. Marotta relations with more productive and open communications.’ worked from 2002 to 2007 in the expansion master plan co- ordinating team and in 2007 became manager of the expansion ‘We are convinced that doing things differently will produce programme’s resource management and project division, different results. We aim at better communicating internally acquiring a thorough and intimate knowledge of the project. because it is the best way to generate ideas.’
‘It was a very challenging professional experience combined The Administrator has said that solving the water issue will be with health family problems, but I learnt how to manage the a priority and definitely will be addressed, since the beginning stress,’ she says. The Canal expansion proved to be a success of his tenure. with results doubling expectations. And she became a role model not only for all women at the Canal, but also the ‘We are entering a new era for the waterway and I am very maritime industry. proud of being part of it. Like Dr Vasquez said, our goals can be summed in three words: transparency, expansion and The Panama Canal Board of Directors’ decision shows that innovation,’ says Marotta.
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New chairman and members of the Board of Directors
Panama’s President Laurentino Cortizo appointed on July 1, former President of the Republic (1978-1982) Dr Aristides Royo, a well-respected lawyer and Politician, as chairman of the Panama Canal’s Board of Directors. Dr Royo has a great knowledge of the waterway as he was a negotiator of the Panama Canal Treaty signed September 7, 1977. He was also Minister of Education and Ambassador of Panama several times.
President Cortizo also appointed as director on the Panama Canal Board of Directors, Enrique Everett Sanchez Salmon, a civil engineer retired after 38 years of service at the waterway. Sanchez belongs to a family of third generation workers of the Panama Canal. He was executive manager of purchasing and contracting division xxxxx and a member of the National Board of Scrutiny (JNE) in 2004.
The other new director of the Board is Nicolas Gonzalez Revilla Paredes, a young businessman and current vice president of Corporation Medcom. Both new members were designated for the 2019-2028 period and will replace former members Nicolas Corcione and Jose Sosa.
The Panama Canal Board of Directors is composed of Chairman Aristides Royo, who has the title of Minister of Canal Affairs, and directors Alberto Vallarino, Elias Castillo, Francisco Sierra, Henri Mizrachi, Jorge Gonzalez, Lourdes Castillo, Oscar Ramirez and Ricardo Arango.
reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) with high environmental efficiency Over the last 105 years, the Panama Canal emissions in maritime transport. standards the opportunity to improve has offered shippers an unparalleled, their position within the Panama environmentally sound route. Given the The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) Canal’s Customer Ranking System. shorter travelling distance and larger has also announced enhancements to capacity offered, the Panama Canal its ‘Green Connection Environmental In 2014, the Panama Canal introduced consistently reduces fuel consumption Programme’ for the shipping industry. four traffic separation schemes (TSS) and emissions, generating less GHG The award-winning initiative encourages to regulate the commercial ships that compared to other routes. Neopanamax the shipping industry to mitigate the enter and exit the Panama Canal and vessels transits offer the benefits of environmental impact of their operations the country’s ports. The new routes are economies of scales to the Canal’s through an incentive-based system designed to minimise shipping lanes customers, while contributing to emission that includes the ‘Green Connection from overlapping with humpback whale reductions. Of the more than 50m tonnes Award’, the ‘Environmental Premium migration routes. From August 1 to of carbon dioxide (CO2) reduced since Ranking’ and the ‘Emissions Calculator’. November 30 this year, each vessel should the inauguration of the expanded Canal, reduce to 10-knot maximum speed in the Neopanamax locks are responsible Starting September 2019, the ‘Emissions certain parts of the Canal in order to for the reduction of more than 35m Calculator’ will feature georeferenced protect whales. Seeking to enhance its tonnes of CO2. Since its opening in 1914, data to improve the quality and precision efforts, the Canal will assess the impact the Panama Canal has helped reduce of the carbon emissions data of vessels of the Panama TSS created to organise more than 750m tonnes of CO2. transiting the Canal. The tool aims to marine traffic to specific areas to keep give customers – and the Canal – clear whales from colliding with vessels. Because of a severe drought in the insight into their carbon footprint to Panama Canal watershed due to the incentivise environmental stewardship The Panama Canal continues to phenomenon El Nino, the waterway and reduce greenhouse gases (GHG). consolidate its role as a leader in announced in January its first draught sustainable shipping around the world. reduction effective February 11, which it The ‘Environmental Premium Ranking’ Earlier this year, it joined the Global did not lift until July 26. In June, water will factor in the use of low-carbon fuels Industry Alliance (GIA), the IMO’s levels remained below the average for and environmentally conscious transit public-private partnership focused on last 65 years as climate change impacts operations starting mid-September. supporting energy efficiency and across the key waterway. ‘Although the weather This ranking affords customers all the maritime transport system. may change from one day to another and
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Panama Canal Board Spanish Sacyr, Italian Salini-Impregilo, of Directors during the public hearing for the tolls Belgian Jan de Nul and Panamanian structure on July 2019 Constructora Urbana (CUSA), won the $3.118m construction contract in 2009.
GUPCSA’s claims associated with the Third Set of Locks Contract have risen to $5.18bn according to its Statement at Completion submitted as per the contract, and are currently been claimed in three separate ICC (International Chamber of Commerce) arbitrations with seat in Miami (Concrete & Basalt, Gates and Disruption). The company recently announced that it does not expect major developments in the arbitration until 2020. Some investment funds specialising in debt have approached the company to buy the payment rights but, for now, the group has not considered selling them. rainfalls have been pouring in recent Foundation and held in conjunction weeks, we are still under the usual with the Singapore Maritime Week. The Panama Canal published June 14 average for the month of June,’ Quijano ACP administrator Jorge Quijano a proposal to modify its current tolls said at the time. ‘The level of water is not was a key speaker on the opening structure for the major shipping sectors. sufficient and under the average level of day of the Conference speaking on a The proposal covers dry bulk, passenger, the past 65 years,’ he said explaining that panel with maritime executives and containership and vehicle carrier and the Canal Authority has been monitoring professionals on global trade flows. ro-ro segments, tankers, chemical tankers, water levels for 105 years. ‘We can say this LPG and LNG vessels, as well the intra- is the climate change effect as of today.' After fulfilling three years of the maritime cluster (local tourism segment) maintenance period as per the contract and minimum tolls (small vessels). In April 2019, the Panama Canal of the third set of locks, GUPC, the participated once again with the Panama Panamanian company owned by Sacyr After a period of consultation for Maritime Authority and the Ministry and its partners in the former consortium industry feedback, the modified proposal of Trade and Industries in Singapore’s (of which the Spanish constructor was presented to the Cabinet Council, Sea Asia conference-exhibition where controls 41.6%), are working on on September 2, which approved the the three entities shared the Panama completing the requirements under the final proposal. ‘With this proposal, Pavilion promoting Panama’s maritime terms of the Contract, in order to receive we aim to better serve the global trade offerings. Sea Asia is co-organised the Performance Certificate from the maritime industry, said then-Panama by Seatrade with the Singapore Maritime Panama Canal. GUPC, integrated by the Canal Administrator Jorge Quijano.
Panama Canal Advisory Board Elects New Chairman The Panama Canal Advisory Board. I have always had a great relationship with Advisory Board elected a Panama and I think the waterway has a bright future ahead,’ new chairman, Admiral said Flanagan, who was Commander-in-Chief of the US William J. Flanagan, in Atlantic fleet, Commander-in-Chief of NATO, West Atlantic, succession to William and president of Caledonia Partners, Inc. O'Neil, secretary general emeritus of the The Advisory Board meets twice a year, alternately in Panama International Maritime and in a city linked to the maritime industry, which sometimes Organization (IMO), who coincides with the residence of one of its members, who offer was elected as the first their work and experience ad honorem. president in 1999 and re-elected thereafter by This is an instance instituted in the Organic Law of 1997, unanimous vote. to act as an advisory body, with the primary responsibility of providing guidance and recommendations to the Panama ‘It is an honour to be Canal Board of Directors. Both former Panama Canal appointed chairman administrators, Alberto Aleman Zubieta and Jorge Quijano, of the Panama Canal are members of the Advisory Board.
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‘Our proposed modifications will to the loyalty programme,’ explained – the Canal proposes to review the rates increase transparency and flexibility, Silvia de Marucci, ACP Manager Market charged to vessels carrying containers among other improvements, to Research and Customer Relations.. on deck, which do not belong to the ensure the Panama Canal remains The incentive implemented in the last container shipping segment, to allow competitive and optimal for the toll modification of fiscal year 2018 for differentiated charges for containers industry today and moving forward.’ for total teu loaded in the return that are empty, dry or refrigerated. voyage (TTLR) will remain in effect. For the dry bulk segment, the proposal The approved toll adjustments matched tolls charged to Neopanamax For the vehicle carrier and ro-ro will go into effect based on vessels carrying iron ore with the segment, the proposed modifications the following schedule: tolls assessed for grains and ‘other include – for the first time – a new tariff dry bulk’ cargoes. It also includes category or range precisely designed • January 1, 2020: Modifications for a tariff increase for Neopanamax for Neopanamax vessels to account Minimum tolls applicable to small vessels; dry bulkers transiting in ballast. vessels sizes and capacity. Additional Improvements to the Loyalty Programme modifications for this segment include for Container vessels; Considerations For the containership segment – the slight increments in tolls tariffs for to charge based on Timber Summer main user of Neopanamax locks – the Panamax-sized vessels, as well as minor DWT or Summer Loaded DWT, proposed toll offers more attractive rates adjustments based on vessel size ranges. whichever is higher, only for Dry Bulk for customers who benefit from the vessels carrying timber deck cargo. Panama Canal Loyalty Programme by The toll structures for tankers, chemical adding new levels with reduced rates in tankers, LPG and LNG vessels remain • April 1, 2020: Modifications for the the capacity charge for shipping lines unchanged, but tolls adjustments Liquid Bulk Segment (including Oil and deploying between 2m to 3m teu, and are proposed to more closely align Product Tankers, Chemical Tankers, additional reductions for lines deploying with the value of the route. LPG and LNG vessels); Modifications an incremental over 3m teu. Ship owners for Neopanamax Dry Bulk vessels would receive a $3 per teu reduction on Cruise ships tariffs will not change carrying iron ore and Neopanamax volumes of between 1.5m and 2m teu. but the Panama Canal will continue Dry Bulk vessels transiting in ballast; This rises to $3.25 for between 2m and analysing the sector. During FY2019 (1 Oct Modifications for the vehicle carrier 3m teu. Above this, the cut is $5 per teu. 2018 to 30 Sept 2019), around 240 cruise segment; Differentiation of the teu ships transited the waterway. Yachts will tariff applicable to non-container ‘For the alliances, each customer [part of see rates increases according to size. vessels carrying containers on deck. the alliance] transits with its own code number which receives the teu applicable Lastly – and based on comments • May 1, 2020: Modifications for the loyalty programme. Since 2016, submitted by clients during the 2017 for the intra-maritime cluster – tariffs by teu has been reduced thanks public consultation and hearing process local tourism segment. •
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016 PMR19Maritime Market 1 30/10/2019 13:10 CONSTRUCTION & EXPANSION OF THE CANAL
Panama Canal Miraflores Locks. The Panama Canal was inaugurated in 1914
The number of Neopanamas vessels transiting is growing consistently A viable route for decades
he Panama Canal has The US steamer ‘Ancon’ inaugurated The world has been twice at war; the celebrated three years since on August 15, 1914 the canal that would Panama Canal was been transferred the inauguration of the join the Atlantic and Pacific oceans in 1999 to Panama administration by a third set of locks with the opening a channel that a century treaty signed in 1977 between Panama Ttransit of the ‘Cosco Shipping Panama’ later would prove too small for the and the US; and the container box has on June 26, 2016. The number of contemporary vessels of the 21st century. been invented transforming the shipping Neopanamax vessels transits is growing business, rapidly making the waterway in constantly nearly reaching the 7,000 If we look at the 1914 pictures, there were need of adapting to the new conditions of milestone and the introduction of few spectators watching the American ship the industry. Even though the canal has new segments have surpassed Panama sail across Gaillard Cut, the narrowest continuously modernised its operations to Canal authorities’ expectations of portion of the Panama Canal which is keep up with the contemporary maritime increased traffic and revenues. still the most incommodious stretch of requirements, the time came to expand by the waterway. At the time, the Panama building a third set of bigger locks. But, The waterway has observed its 105th Canal Company was a US-government this time, the design and construction anniversary this year and to remain an agency and its construction by the US would be under the supervision of the efficient waterway, it has successfully Army Corps of Engineers had been made Panama Canal Authority (AMP) with an entirely Panamanian workforce. undergone its expansion with the possible thanks to some 60,000 labourers from the West Indies and Caribbean construction of new larger, longer and islands. It is likely than only a handful of On a sunny Sunday June 26, 2016, wider locks that have transformed journalists were present for that historic more than 30,000 Panamanians, Canal the Canal in a modern passage well event since the news was generated employees, heads of state and dignitaries adapted to the necessities of today’s on the European battlefields where from around the world, customers, globalisation and the competition in WWI was officially starting. The world and international and local journalists world trade. The expansion will remain environment has changed a lot since 1914. were awaiting the transit of the Chinese a viable route for decades to come.
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vessel and cheering at her passage wanted to construct a sea-level canal. the construction of a waterway and in the new Agua Clara Locks in the the following year, the US bought Atlantic at dawn and at the Cocoli The Compagnie Universelle du Canal the rights and properties of the Locks in the Pacific in the afternoon. Interoceanique, under the direction of French Company for $40m, gave The Panamanians in attendance, at the Ferdinand de Lesseps began operations $10m compensation to Panama's Atlantic and Pacific Locks and at every in 1881, but the project was finally government, and began excavating. surrounding available, felt an immense abandoned years later, defeated by an pride to have been those who built the enormous financial scandal in France The US undertook a major sanitary third lane, 'entirely Panamanian.' and diseases in Panama. However, a effort under Col. William C. Gorgas, year before the French company would wiping out the diseases that defeated the The history of Panama as a country, go bankrupt, it was clear that if the French. The monumental construction is closely linked to its geographical canal could ever be built it would have was completed in ten years at a cost of position. It has been seen as early as the to include a series of locks. Gustave about $387m. Its triumphant culmination 16th century as a passage between two Eiffel, the steel genius architect, was was due principally to the engineering oceans when it raised interest from the commissioned to design and build the and administrative skills of John F. King of Spain Charles V who wanted gates of the locks in his shipyard in Saint Stevens and Col George W. Goethals. to create a shortcut connecting Europe, Nazaire, France. Today, looking at the the American continent, and Asia graphic representation of one of those They had to dig through the Continental that would shorten the transportation gates, the sliding model invented by Eiffel Divide, create the largest artificial lake time of his recently discovered is extremely similar to the present version of its time, earth dams and build three Peruvian riches to Spain. However, of the gates that have been installed in sets of twin locks, with mitre gates Panama would have to wait until the the new locks of the expanded canal. bigger than everyone had ever imagined early 19th century when the idea of Although historians believe the first and solve environmental problems building a navigable canal surfaced locks were built in Saint Nazaire, they of enormous proportions. Goethals in Europe and the US, supported by would never to be found, likely to have completed the construction ahead of the inauguration of a trans-isthmian been melted after the bankruptcy. time and under budget and on August railroad by a US company in 1855. 15, 1914, the US steamship Ancon made The US received in 1902, US Congress the historic first official transit. With the opening of the Suez Canal, authorisation for the construction of completed by Ferdinand de Lesseps an interoceanic canal in Panama. A Modernising the waterway in 1869, competition between US and treaty was negotiated with Colombia, With the waterway being transferred European builders to begin work on a but was rejected by the Colombian December 31, 1999, to Panamanian canal in Panama, a province of Colombia, legislature on the grounds that it would administration, Panama Canal was raging. In 1878, the French naval infringe Colombia's sovereignty and officials presented to referendum engineer, Lt. Lucien Napoleon Bonaparte provided insufficient remuneration. in 2006 a proposal to build a third Wyse obtained a concession from set of locks to increase capacity. Colombia to dig a canal in Panama. In 1903, the Panama province declared Wyse sold the concession the same its independence from Colombia, The Canal expansion aimed at letting year to Ferdinand de Lesseps who granting the US rights to undertake the most modern vessels of the time, the
The new Cocoli Locks began operations in June 2016
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Co-operation, $800m; Inter-American post-Panamaxes or Neopanamaxes, sail Another classic feature of the waterway Development Bank, $400m; International directly from Asia to the US east coast also disappeared with the new design Finance Corporation, $300m and the and Europe as they are, now, able to of rolling gates which are different Andean Development Corporation, transit the new third set of locks, longer, from the hinged mitre gates used $300m. Spreads over LIBOR, in the wider and deeper than those of the in the original locks, which require package are at 48 basis points, 75bp existing waterway, built a century ago. maintenance at the ACP industrial and 120bp and up to 140bp, which Before the expansion, Canal capacity was synchro-lift. The mitre gates also gave an average interest rate of 5.49% around 340m Panama Canal Universal require dewatering of the locks, forcing with a 20-year amortising period Measurement System (PC/UMS) temporary suspension of operations, including a 10-year grace period. tonnes and once inaugurated capacity normally for a week, to allow for the is now doubled to 600m PC/UMS. lock chamber sills to be reconstructed The expansion features engineering and the wall seals to be replaced. novelties since the design of the third The Canal expansion was essentially set of locks, on the eastern side of composed of two major elements: the The new locks have 16 rolling gates that Gatun locks in the Atlantic and on the construction of the third set of locks operate from a recess located adjacent western side of Miraflores and Pedro and a series of other components such and perpendicular to the lock chamber. Miguel locks, includes the construction as the widening and deepening of the The gate configuration turns each recess of water-saving basins. The basins, Pacific and Atlantic access channels into a dry dock which in turn allows three for each chamber of the new to a 225mtr-width; widening and servicing the gates on site without the locks, re-use 60% water during lockage deepening of the Gatun lake channels; need of removing them and without which will result in 7% less water and improvements to facilities to enable major interruption to locks operations. consumption for each lockage than the the raising of Gatun Lake an additional The system results in increased lockage original system. The new locks have 45cmtr to increase the water supply. capacity and flexibility as it offers shorter three chambers, three water-saving maintenance times at a lower cost. basins per chamber [18 in total for the At the time of the release of the entire project], a lateral filling and expansion proposal, costs for the The new locks' filling and emptying emptying system and 16 rolling gates. expansion were detailed as follows: the system allows filling each lock chamber two new locks totalled $2,730m; the in 10 minutes whenever water- The new locks [Agua Clara on the water basins $620m; the new navigation saving basins are not used, and in 17 Atlantic side and Cocoli on the Pacific channels, $820m; improvements to minutes when these are employed. side] are 427mtr in length, 55mtr in present navigational channels $290m; width and 18.3mtr in depth. They can increase water supply $260m and A total of 47.5m cu mtr had been accommodate vessels up to 14,000teu- $530m for inflation during the time of excavated to build the new locks. 'post-Panamax' or 'Neopanamax'- and construction putting the total cost of no longer use the historic 'mules' or the expansion programme at $5.25bn. The expansion programme’s locomotives which are replaced by other components tugboats to position the vessel in the In December 2008, Canal officials sign The construction of a third lane required locks’ chambers. In comparison, the the external financial structure for the excavation of new navigation original locks measure 304mtr in length, $2.3bn with five multilateral agencies. channels for accessing the new locks. 32.3mtr in width and 12.04mtr in depth The financial package was allocated as The navigation channels are 218mtr allowing the passage of vessels up to follows: European Investment Bank, wide, sufficient to allow the passage of 4,400teu, called the 'Panamax' vessels. $500m; Japan Bank for International Neopanamax vessels in one direction
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Agua Clara Locks in the Atlantic
and in convoy mode of operations. On lower than the ACP's owner's allocated Zaffaroni by Bernardo Gonzalez, who the Atlantic side, the new navigation price of $3,481m. GUPC was formed by had previously overseen construction channel is 3.2km long from Agua Clara Madrid-based Sacyr Vallehermoso as of the locks on the Atlantic side. The locks to the Atlantic Ocean and on the leader, accompanied by Italy's Impregilo expansion project was entering a crucial Pacific side, the new navigation channel S.p.A, Jan de Nul from Belgium and period of getting ACP acceptance of is 7.1km long in total, including a channel Panama's Constructora Urbana S.A. the concrete design that had been of 6.1km long to connect the new Cocoli (CUSA) with the designers Montgomery delayed by a series of unforeseeable locks to Gaillard Cut and another of Watson Harza (MWH), IV-Groep, Tetra circumstances, but subsequently complied 1.3km long to access the Pacific Ocean. Tech, and Heerema Fabrication Group with the requirements. Structural that would fabricate the gates. The concrete placement began in June In addition, the ACP has deepened Heerema Group will later be substituted 2011. The special concrete had to meet Gaillard Cut and Gatun Lake channels by the Italian Cimolai shipyard. ACP requirements, verified through by 1.2mtr to 9.14mtr Precise Level According to the terms of the fixed-price a series of tests to prove its durability Datum (PLD) giving the waterway a contract, the consortium had 1,883 days (to 100 years), low permeability to salt draught of 15.2mtr in tropical freshwater (269 weeks) to deliver the project from water, and compressive strength and during most of the year to facilitate the commencement date, August 25, 2009. shrinkage. About 4.8m cu mtr of concrete navigation of larger vessels as well would be necessary to build both locks' as widening Gatun Lake channel to Another major feat of engineering: complexes. The structural marine no less than 280mtr in straights and the construction of the locks concrete was also accepted after having 366mtr in curves. However, the ACP is As the GUPC received August 25, completed the American Standard of constantly improving the deepening of 2009 the Notice to commence works, Testing Material (ASTM C 1202) used Gatun lake and widening of Gaillard. the landscape on both entrances to determine the level of permeability. of the waterway began to change, A series of contracts were awarded moving earth, excavating, blasting, GUPC awarded the fabrication of the for the excavations and construction and constructing facilities, while huge 16 gates to Italian shipyard and builder of the access channels. The process excavators created enormous craters. Cimolai began the fabrication of the to award the largest contract of the gates October 2011 which took two years. expansion to design and build the third At the Compagnie Nationale du Rhone The gate design varies depending on set of locks began on August 28, 2007, (CNR) in Lyon, France, the 1/30 scale their location in the locks. All gates are when the ACP released its ‘Request physical model confirmed the validity of the same length 57.6 mtr. The tallest For Qualifications’ for the project. the hydraulic design developed by GUPC. of all gates is 33.04 mtr, the equivalent In October 2010, a team from the ACP of an 11-story building. They weigh on Four consortia were pre-qualified, and on and GUPC representatives visited CNR average approximately 3,200 tonnes, July 8, 2009, Canal authorities revealed to see the model of the locks hydraulic the heaviest facing the Pacific Ocean that Grupo Unidos por el Canal (GUPC) systems and the results 'were excellent.' at Cocoli locks, weighing 4,200 tonnes, had received the best technical evaluation because of a more robust seismic and offered the best price of $3,118m, In 2011, GUPC replaced its gm Antonio requirements and higher tides. Another
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critical part of the locks system was may be commenced 56 days after or bulkheads and gates, seepage emerged the construction of 152 valves for the later in Miami under International at the end of August 2015 on the sills control the flow of water through the Chamber of Commerce (ICC) rules. separating the lower and middle chamber conduits and culverts. The valves would of the Cocoli locks, as they were being be fabricated at the Hyundai Samho However, by the end of 2013, GUPC stress tested through exposure to level shipyard in Gwangju, South Korea. presented a series of claims totalling differentials much higher than those $1.6bn. The consortium threatened to required for normal operations, but Also, GUPC subcontracted the stop works January 20, 2014, if it did which may occur during dry-chamber excavation and construction of not get answers to its claims. Talks maintenance works in the future. The the three Borinquen dams to the between the ACP and GUPC were held problem came from the design and consortium CBDam (Consortium throughout January to find a solution, was solved in January 2016 as GUPC Borinquen), formed by Spain-based but GUPC stopped all works on February reinforced with steel the sills in the EPSA and Costa Rica's MECO, which 5, 2014. While negotiations were going three chambers of both locks-Agua produced the design with GUPC. on, both parties agreed to sign a Clara on the Atlantic and Cocoli on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Pacific. Testing of all systems on the In September 2012, Jorge Quijano, until And the consortium resumed works expanded Panama Canal project was then head of the expansion, was sworn in February 20, 2014 on the construction launched and lasted several months. as the new Panama Canal administrator sites of the third set of locks. while Ilya Marotta assumed the direction At each locks site, 46 buildings have of the expansion programme being The consortium replaced Sacyr's been erected – a total of 92 – and every designated ACP evp for engineering and manager Bernardo Gonzalez by set of gates have one machinery building, programmes management. Ilya Marotta Impregilo's Giuseppe Quarta and every set of valves has a hydraulic power had been deputy of Jorge Quijano for the reaffirmed its commitment to 'conclude unit room or building in addition to six third lane project until she was assigned the works in time by end-2015.' A buildings for the water-saving basins. to the completion of the expansion. nationwide work stoppage is called Over two thousand tests were conducted by Panama's Constructors Union to check the inter-operability between After a six-day work stoppage when (SUNTRACS) that lasts two weeks. operating systems on both sides of the workers petition for higher salaries and Canal. Some 2.500km of cables (three overtime-pay, GUPC said on April 2, Since the arrival of the last locks gates and a half times the length of Panama. 2012, that it will deliver the new locks and their installation in the Atlantic Electrical, fibre optic and signals had completed and operational in April Cocoli and Pacific Agua Clara locks – the to be connected. GUPC announced the 2015. Because of the delay incurred last gate being installed in Cocoli locks final functional completion delivery with the acceptation of the concrete April 28, 2015, the landscape of works date of the locks May 31, 2016. design and on July 20, it gave the ACP changed dramatically. The third lane a notice of claims totalling $573m. was finally taking shape while some of The ACP went through a lottery process the most significant works, invisible to on April 29, 2016 to pick, amongst its Claims have to be evaluated by the ACP the eyes, were being performed as the top customers, the Neopanamax ship whether the claims present merit or not. expansion entered into the testing stages. which would make the inaugural transit If GUPC is not in agreement with the on June 26, 2016. The winner was the ACP's determination, they then go to Water filing began June 11, 2015. 'It is 'Andronikos' from China Cosco Shipping, the Dispute Adjudication Board (DAB). the culmination of years of arduous a 9,443teu vessel with a beam of Once the DAB has decided on the claim, labour,' said Quijano at the time. But 48.25mtr and length overall of 299.98mtr. the ACP and/or GUPC can issue a notice as the filling of the locks marked the Andronikos would be later renamed of dissatisfaction, within 28 days, and start of a planned and methodical phase 'Cosco Shipping Panama’, to celebrate the if the dispute is not amicably settled by of operational testing of the locks, event. Commercial transits began 'full the parties, an International Arbitration including its culverts valves, maintenance gear' the next day on June 27, 2016. • Neopanamax vessels can now transit the Canal’s third set of locks
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Busy tonnage despite commercial differences between the US and China Record revenue
he Panama Canal will close Hapag-Lloyd ‘Cartagena Express’ box of LNG and LPG have slowed down in its fiscal year 2019 (October ship made her southbound transit from that particular trade route, according to 1, 2018-September 30, 2019) the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean August ACP administrator Jorge Quijano. ‘We September 30 with a record 23, becoming the 7,000th Neopanamax began to feel an impact around October- Tof revenue and busy tonnage, despite to transit the new locks. The ship November 2018. We saw some decreases the commercial war between the US built in 2017, measures 333mtr in in volume, but it picked up for a brief and China, Panama Canal administrator length and 48mtr in width and has the period in preparation for the increase Jorge Quijano said ahead of finishing capacity to transport up to 11,519teu. of tariffs, said Quijano at the time. his term (2012-2019) September 5. As we go to press, the FY2019 has not yet Of the Neopanamax vessels that have ‘The biggest impact on us thus far was concluded but ‘this year we must finish transited to date, 50% of vessels have a reduction of approximately $36.4m in it very well, above budget expectations. been from the container ship segment, tolls from exports from the US to China It will be a very good year,’ said Quijano. followed by 26.2% of liquefied petroleum via the Panama Canal, from the Gulf and gas and another 11.6% of liquefied natural east coast ports to Asia, particularly in Quijano estimated that for FY2019 gas. Other ships that have used the LNG, LPG, grain and chemicals.’ Grain between 460m and 463m tonnes (PC/ Neopanamax locks are dry and liquid exports from the US Gulf to China fell UMS) will pass through the Canal, bulk, car carriers and passengers. significantly with approximately an $8m a figure higher than the initially impact on Canal revenues. Containerised projected 450m tonnes. That figure The US China trade war that began plastic resins exports from the US gulf would exceed the previous cargo record almost a year ago, and it is a matter of ports, mainly Houston, to China also set in 2018, when total PC/UMS or concern for the Panama Canal as it has registered a considerable drop in volume Panama Canal Universal Measurement hindered greater growth in revenues through the waterway. On a positive System is the volumetric unit utilised this year for the order of $29m. note, South Korea and Japan have been at the Panama Canal to admeasure buying more LNG and LPG from the vessels) reached 442m tonnes. The For the Panama Canal, where the US US, which has helped to compensate the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) also is the largest customer, authorities volumes traded through the waterway expects toll revenues of $2,525m for announced mid-June, that Japan had and resulted in Japan displacing China this fiscal year, a record amount. overtaken China as the second biggest as the second largest user of the Canal. user of the waterway largely because ‘We have exceeded in tonnage what was ‘The ACP team continues to achieve new of the escalating dispute between projected in the Master Plan (of the remarkable records across segments. In Washington and Beijing. Asia is buying Canal expansion), commented Silvia the past year alone, we welcomed the less from the US therefore shipments de Marucci, ACP manager market transit of the first Q-Flex LNG tanker and the largest containership to-date exceeding the 15,000teu threshold. We also set a new daily tonnage record with 1,706m Panama Canal tonnes (PC/ UMS) on August 16, and have reached the 7,000th Neopanamax transit,’ said Quijano in his official farewell. The
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CUSTOMERS OF THE CANAL
research and customer relations. ‘And with 10,366,998 petroleum chemicals fell to 15,229,083 we slightly below on revenues.’ tonnes versus tonnes from 15,523,928 tonnes. 12,529,067 a year However, container traffic increased ago. The following Maersk leads the list of top customers, with respect to the same period last year two routes were followed by Mediterranean Shipping because of the ‘extra loaders’ put in place very similar: Corporation (MSC), Cosco, CMA CGM, to arrive before the full implementation US East Coast- ONE, Hapag-Lloyd, NYK, Wilhelmsen of the US tariffs on Chinese goods. SAWC, 23,479,129 Lines, SONAP and Mitsui O.S.K. compared to Silvia de Marucci At end August 2019, US was the main 23,973,366 a year During the month of May, the waterway user of the Panama Canal with a total before and US east coast-west coast saw the transit of Evergreen’s ‘Triton’, of 156,623,289 long tonnes of cargo that Central America, with 16,337,419 tonnes the largest vessel in dimension and was either originated or destined for that compared to 16,863721 a year ago. The container cargo capacity, surpassing country, followed by Japan, 31,863,185 Europe-US west coast, with 3,883,282 the 15,000teu vessel threshold, to pass tonnes, China, 30,946,203 tonnes, Chile, tonnes compared to 4,428,071 the year through the expanded Canal since 27,770,094 tonnes, Mexico, 26,403,441 before and USWC-Europe, 2,356,602 it opened in June 2016 and another tonnes, South Korea, 23,984,400 tonnes, tonnes compared to 1,977,418 tonnes a record with the transit of the largest Colombia, 21,849,573 tonnes, Peru, year ago while ECSA-Asia dropped to LNG carrier Q-Flex ‘Al Safliya.’ 20,252,876 tonnes, Canada, 13,093,782 2,366,310 tonnes compared to 2,516,660 tonnes. The following ten countries the year before. Other routes were up to The Neopanamax containership by origin and destination of cargo 87,431,894 tonnes versus 83,223,293 tonnes ‘Triton’, which has a Total Teu were Ecuador, Panama, Guatemala, the year before; the total for October Allowance (TTA) of 15,313, a 20-row Trinidad and Tobago, Spain, Taiwan, 2018-August 2019, was slightly below to beam of 51.2mtr and a length of Belgium, The Netherlands, Brazil, 232,405,686 tonnes versus 232,836,809 369mtr, transited northbound from Russian Federation and the UK. tonnes for the same period a year ago. the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean on May 15, establishing a new record in The US east coast-Asia remained, at end Transport of petroleum and petroleum terms of total teu capacity. ‘Triton’ is of August 2019, the main cargo route products increased to 68,151,061 deployed on Evergreen’s Far East–US with 47,800,101 long tonnes, although long tonnes for the period October east coast (Taiwan Strait-TWS/AUE) down from 48,826,527 tonnes a year ago. 2018-August 2019, compared to 64,703,427 service as part of the OCEAN Alliance It was followed by Asia-US east coast, long tonnes a year ago; this growth was network, which connects Asia and with 29,816,329 slightly above the year supported mainly by gasoline, LNG and US east coast ports via the Panama before and by South America west coast- LPG. Grains were on the decline with Canal. The AUE service is comprised Europe with 8,567,622, lower than the 25,209,642 tonnes compared to 25,722,900 of 11 vessels ranging in size from year before and by SAWC-US east coast tonnes the year before. Container cargo 8,452teu to 14,424teu. The Alliance was down to 52,687,276 tonnes, from includes China Cosco Shipping, Orient Top 20 customers 52,837,037 tonnes, Coal and coke, up to Overseas Container Lines (OOCL), 16,150,781 compared to 15,952,347 and CMA CGM Group and Evergreen, Ð 1.Ð Maersk Line A/S autos, trucks, accessories, up to 4,873,058 which are amongst the Panama Ð 2. Ð Mediterranean Shipping Co. from 4,598,388 tonnes. Chemicals and Canal's top customers by volume. Ð3.ÐCosco Former minister of Canal affairs and president of the board of directors Roberto Roy Ð 4.Ð CMA CGM with ACP top executives, June 2019 Ð 5.Ð Ocean Network Express Pte Ltd Ð 6.Ð Hapag Lloyd Ð 7.Ð Wilhelmsen Lines AS Ð 8.Ð Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK Line) Ð 9.Ð Mitsui O.S.K. Ð10.Ð Sonap Ð 11.Ð Shell Intl Trading & Shipping Co. Ð 12.Ð Evergreen Marine Ð 13.Ð Trafigura Beheer B.v. Ð14.Ð Zim Ð 15.Ð Glencore HK Ð 16.Ð Dampskibsselskabet Norden AS Ð 17.Ð Bw Gas AS Ð 18.Ð Kawasaki Kisen "K"Line Ð 19.Ð Cargill International Ð 20.Ð Baltic Shipping List based on number of transits Ð and tolls paid.
SOURCE: PANAMA CANAL MARKET RESEARCH AND CUSTOMER RELATIONS
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The former record for largest 50mtr in beam with an overall cargo Safliya’s Q-Flex class design, which allows containership to transit the Canal capacity of 210,000cu mtr of LNG, for the 40% reduction of emissions in by capacity was set on August 22, transited northbound from the Pacific to comparison to other gas carriers, the 2017 by the CMA CGM Theodore the Atlantic Ocean, on May 12 breaking Panama Canal and Qatargas saved Roosevelt, which measures the record of largest LNG carrier. nearly 10,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions 365.96mtr in length and 48.252mtr compared to alternative routes, directly in beam and had a 14,863 TTA. ‘It was the first of its kind Q-Flex reducing of global emissions. tanker to transit the Canal and we This achievement was made possible look forward to welcoming many more In 2018, the Canal saw 290 LNG by an increase to the maximum Q-Flex vessels in the future,’ said de transits, up from 163 transits in 2017. allowable beam for vessels transiting the Marucci. Q-Flex LNG tankers can By August 31 of FY2019, the Canal Neopanamax locks. Beginning in June now pass through the Panama Canal has seen over 363 LNG transits. 2018, the Canal increased the allowable following the increase in the maximum beam from 49mtr to 51.25mtr due to the allowable beam for vessels transiting Since October 2018 until the end of team’s extensive training and experience the Neopanamax locks, implemented August 2019, the container segment gained from successfully operating in June 2018. In combination with Al was up to 15,235,767teu in total capacity the expanded Canal for almost three years. This experience, coupled with Main commmodities (thousand long tonnes) the team’s close collaboration with the Oct 2018 to June 2019 customer, also enabled the waterway to Ð FY2018Ð FY2019 accommodate the transit despite the vessel Ð Crude PetroleumÐ 6,234,390Ð 6,457,157 exceeding the waterway’s established Ð Petroleum and Petroleum productsÐ 58,469,037Ð 61,693,903 maximum vessel length of 366mtr. Ð GrainsÐ 25,722,900Ð25,209,642 CornÐ 7,667,667Ð 6,216,598 It marked a new era for containerships Grain, MiscÐ 4,184,720Ð 4,200,203 at the expanded Canal. ‘We look RiceÐ 517,975Ð 431,463 forward to collaborating on similar opportunities in the future as liners SorghumÐ 6,025,706Ð 5,567,600 continue to re-route services and SoybeansÐ 5,047,557Ð 6,465,836 consolidate cargo on larger vessels,’ WheatÐ 2,279,275Ð 2,327,943 said ACP senior international trade Ð Coal and Coke (Excl. Petroleum Coke)Ð 15,952,347Ð 16,150,781 specialist Argelis Moreno de Ducreux. Ð Container CargoÐ 52,837,037Ð 52,687,276 And that similar opportunity came Ð Autos, trucks, accesories and partsÐ 4,605,190Ð 4,876,447 across earlier than expected with the Ð Canned and refrigerated foodsÐ 2,012,007Ð 1,831,717 transit of Thalassa Elpida, with capacity Ð Nitrates, phosphates and potashÐ 9,782,481Ð 8,630,811 of 14,387teu and 51mtr beam and 368mtr Ð Lumber and productsÐ 2,175,241Ð 2,076,216 LOA, which transited August 21. This Ð Manufactures of iron and steelÐ 5,763,460Ð 5,259,996 containership set a new toll record, in Ð Chemicals and petroleum chemicalsÐ 15,523,928Ð 15,229,083 spite of being slightly smaller than the Ð Ores and MetalsÐ 10,265,332Ð 9,638,655 Triton, because of greater utilisation. ÐSubtotalÐ 209,343,350Ð 209,741,683 ÐOthersÐ 19,517,698Ð 18,723,494 The Qatargas Al Safliya, a Q-Flex tanker ÐTotalÐ 228,861,048Ð 228,465,177 which measures 315mtr in length and SOURCE: PANAMA CANAL MARKET RESEARCH AND CUSTOMER RELATIONS
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SOURCE: PANAMA CANAL MARKET RESEARCH AND CUSTOMER RELATIONS At the beginning of the fiscal year, Panama Canal main cargo routes (long tonnes) on Asia-east coast of the US route, ZIM, Maersk and MSC consolidated @ Origin route@ Destination route@ FY2018@ FY2019 two services that was transiting the @ East Coast of the US@ Asia@ 48,826,527@ 47,800,101 Panama Canal, one Panamax and one @ Asia@ East Coast of the US@ 29,389,223@ 29,816,329 Neopanamax, into one Neopanamax @ West Coast of South US@ Europe@ 9,109,464@ 8,567,622 service, as part of the co-operation @ West Coast of South US@ East Coast of the US@ 12,529,067@ 10,366,998 agreement signed between these three @ East Coast of the US@ West Coast of South US@ 23,973,366@ 23,479,129 carriers. Three Panamax services @ East Coast of the US@ West Coast of Central US@ 16,863,721@ 16,337,419 serving west coast South America to @ East Coast of South US@ West Coast of South US@ 5,037,127@ 4,709,763 Caribbean, Europe and west coast of the @ Europe@ West Coast of US@ 4,428,071@ 3,883,282 US, respectively, were also cancelled. @ West Coast of US@ Europe@ 1,977,418@ 2,356,602 @ East Coast of South US@ Asia@ 2,516,660@ 2,366,310 However, these losses were mitigated by @Others@ 78,186,167@ 82,722,131 the deployment of four new services, one @Total@ 232,836,809@ 232,405,686 from the west coast of South America to the east coast of the US by Maersk; two compared to 14,607,544teu registered 9,257,862 loaded teu during the same from intercostal movements between in the same period of fiscal year 2018, period the year before. ‘We experienced east and west coasts of South America equivalent to 4.3% growth in the capacity the cancellation of about four services from Hapag-Lloyd and CMA CGM, deployed through the Panama Canal. during this fiscal year, however the and the fourth one expected to start On the other hand, it registered a 4.8% negative effect of these withdrawals was operating in September in the route growth of loaded container volumes compensated with the entrance of the Asia-Gulf of Mexico in the US by 2M. compared to last year figures, up to same amount of new liner services, and 9,701,785 in loaded teu compared to an increase of vessel size,’ said Marucci. The ACP published June 14 a proposal
Ocean Network Express (ONE)
Ocean Network Express (ONE) was announced and formed as a new joint venture in 2016, between Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK), Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and “K”Line (KLI). The company started trading under the name ‘Ocean Network Express’ from 1 April 2018, with a holding company office in Tokyo, global headquarters in Singapore and regional headquarters in UK (London), US (Richmond, VA), Hong Kong, and Brazil (Sao Paulo). ONE has a fleet size of 1.4m teu and is the sixth largest player in the global shipping market.
ONE has selected the quintessential Japanese cherry blossom magenta as its brand colour for its ships and containers which is therefore used as a symbol to convey a larger concept for the shipping world, that needs to change dynamics by becoming a more visible and a less obscure industry for its final customers. In addition to the tonnage inherited from the three mother ONE is an integral member of THE ALLIANCE, providing 34 companies, there are several new ships close to delivery: one services, directly calling at 81 different ports on a regular and ultra-large 20,000teu vessel, and twelve 14,000teu vessels. continuous basis, of which 19 in Asia Far East (seven in China, five in Japan), three in the Indian subcontinent, seven in Middle Ocean Network Express Panama Inc. start operation 1st April East and Red Sea, 24 in Europe (seven in North Continent, 14 2018 with the main office in Panama City and a second office in the Mediterranean Sea), 21 in US and Canada, 7 in Central locate in Colon, on the Atlantic side. ONE Panama staff is America and Caribbean. a mix of professionals in the maritime industry led by Julio De la Lastra, president and ceo with more than 40 years of ONE has decided to heavily invest in the refrigerated sector, by experience in the shipping industry. ordering in August 2018 over 14,000 brand new white reefer containers (13,000 x 40’ teu and 1,000 x 20’ teu). This large Since ONE began operation in Panama, more than 378 vessels equipment purchase aims to establish ONE as a real leader in have transited the Panama Canal. ONE had a canal ranking of the reefer shipping market, reaching the top three positions in 570 when started transiting the canal back in April 2018. ‘In the carriers’ ranking. August 2019 our ranking increased to fifth position.
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SOURCE: PANAMA CANAL MARKET RESEARCH AND CUSTOMER RELATIONS ore with the tolls assessed for grains Ranking of countries by origin and destination of cargo and ‘other dry bulk’ cargoes, as well Oct 2018 - Aug 2019 (long tonnes) as a tariff increase for Neopanamax RankCountry Origin Destination Intercoastal Total dry bulkers transiting in ballast. 1US 101,350,519 55,272,770 1,899,139 156,623,289 2Japan 6,035,982 25,827,203 31,863,185 For the containership segment – the main user of Neopanamax locks – two 3China 19,052,024 11,894,179 30,946,203 new categories were added to the 4Chile 12,309,215 15,460,879 27,770,094 loyalty programme to incentivise the 5Mexico 6,744,768 19,658,673 455,421 26,403,441 deployment of additional services. By 6 South Korea 9,191,239 14,793,161 23,984,400 adding new levels with reduced rates 7Colombia 14,898,856 6,950,717 573,425 21,849,573 in the capacity charge for shipping 8Peru 7,983,010 12,269,866 20,252,876 lines deploying between 2m to 3m teu, 9Canada 9,170,563 3,923,219 45,524 13,093,782 and additional incremental reductions 10Ecuador 4,422,127 7,346,032 11,768,159 for lines deploying more than 3m 11Panama 1,479,363 6,687,231 63,102 8,166,594 teu within a 12-month period. Ship 12Guatemala 1,136,640 6,282,079 7,418,719 owners currently receive a $3 per teu 13 Trinidad and Tobago 4,444,940 223,556 4,668,496 reduction on volumes of between 1.5m 14Spain 1,839,385 2,481,461 4,320,846 and 2m teu. The new categories add an 15Taiwan 1,878,483 2,356,883 4,235,366 incentive of $3.25 for volumes between 16Belgium 1,751,738 2,271,625 4,023,363 2m and 3m teu. Above this, the cut is $5 per teu exceeding the 3m mark. 17Netherlands 1,531,539 2,273,486 3,805,025 18Brazil 2,310,430 1,624,830 3,935,260 ‘For the alliances, they inform prior 19 Russian Federation 2,127,457 1,632,933 3,760,390 to arrival the customer code under 20UK 564,922 2,498,369 3,063,291 which the vessel will be transiting, Metric based on cargo long tons origin and destination of the country. so that only that individual company Intercoastal tonnage is excluded from the total. receives the teu applicable for the loyalty programme. Since 2016, tariffs to modify its current tolls structure ‘With this proposal, we aim to better by teu have been more attractive thanks for the major shipping sectors. The serve the global maritime industry,’ said to the loyalty programme,’ explained proposal covers dry bulk, passenger, then-Panama Canal administrator Jorge Marucci. The incentive implemented in containership and vehicle carrier and Quijano. ‘Our proposed modifications the last toll modification of fiscal year ro-ro segments, tankers, chemical tankers, will increase transparency and 2018 for total teu loaded in the return LPG and LNG vessels, as well the intra- flexibility, among other improvements, voyage (TTLR) will remain in effect. maritime cluster (local tourism segment) to ensure the Panama Canal remains and minimum tolls (small vessels). competitive and optimal for the For the vehicle carrier and ro-ro industry today and moving forward.’ segment, the proposed modifications After a period of consultation for include – for the first time – a new tariff industry feedback, the modified proposal For the dry bulk segment, the category or range precisely designed was presented to the Cabinet Council proposal matches the tolls charged for Neopanamax vessels to account September 3 and given final approval. to Neopanamax vessels carrying iron vessels sizes and capacity. Additional
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Panama Canal Cocoli Locks
modifications for this segment include Lastly – and based on comments April 1, 2020 for all other changes, slight increments in tolls tariffs for submitted by clients during the 2017 except local tourism cluster, which Panamax-sized vessels, as well as minor public consultation and hearing will be implemented on May 1, 2020. adjustments based on vessel size ranges. process – the Canal reviewed the rates charged to vessels carrying containers In September 2018, the Panama Canal The toll structures for tankers, chemical on deck, which do not belong to the announced changes to its Transit tankers, LPG and LNG vessels remain container shipping segment, to allow Reservation (booking) System for unchanged, but tolls adjustments for differentiated charges for containers Neopanamax vessels, effective October are proposed to more closely align that are empty, dry or refrigerated. 1, 2018. The modifications were a step in with the value of the route. a positive direction for the Neopanamax After careful consideration of the locks and take into consideration the Cruise ships tariffs will not change, arguments presented by the industry, lifting of certain navigation rules for but the ACP will continue analysing the date for implementation of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels and the sector. During FY2019 (1 Oct 2018- modifications to the tolls structure is ongoing customer feedback, as well 30 Sept 2019), around 240 cruise ships planned for January 1, 2020 for small as routine analysis of the utilisation transited the waterway. Yachts will vessels, containers and dry bulkers and fair market value of the expanded see rates increases according to size. revision of timber deadweight tonnage; Canal, said Canal authorities at the
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time. These changes, guided by input The latest modifications to the Transit traffic separation schemes (TSS) to regulate from the waterway customers, strategic Reservation System are part of a series the commercial ships that enter and exit planning and years of experience, are of efforts to provide added flexibility and the Panama Canal and the country’s ports. an essential next step in ensuring the reliability per growing market needs. The new routes are designed to minimise continued availability of the expanded This includes the Canal’s decision in shipping lanes from overlapping with Canal for all, said Canal officials. June to lift certain daylight and meeting humpback whale migration routes. From restrictions for LNG transits beginning on August 1 to November 30 this year, each Until October 1, customers could reserve October 1, 2018, as well as the additional vessel should reduce to 10-knot maximum transits during three booking periods Neopanamax reservation slot made speed in certain parts of the Canal in order determined by the days prior to the available in May, totalling eight daily. to protect whales. Seeking to enhance its requested transit date. However, the The Canal's decision to implement these efforts, the Canal will assess the impact announced adjustments introduced a new modifications is a result of over two years of the Panama TSS created to organise booking period within the first booking of experience transiting Neopanamax marine traffic to specific areas to keep period, called booking period 1.a, which vessels, including LNG vessels. whales from colliding with vessels. will be accompanied by corresponding modifications to the duration and slot The ACP has also announced The Panama Canal continues to allocation within each booking period. enhancements to its ‘Green Connection consolidate its role as a leader in These changes also included a transition Environmental Programme’ for the sustainable shipping around the world. period for those LNG vessels that shipping industry. The award-winning Earlier this year, it joined the Global have already obtained slots during the initiative encourages the shipping Industry Alliance (GIA), the IMO’s current booking period 1, which will industry to mitigate the environmental public-private partnership focused on allow customers to release them without impact of their operations through an supporting energy efficiency and across being charged a cancellation fee. incentive-based system that includes all the maritime transport system. Just the ‘Green Connection Award’, the in September, the Panama Canal and The total slots available for Neopanamax ‘Environmental Premium Ranking’ UN Environment also signed a co- vessels and priority for certain market and the ‘Emissions Calculator’. operation agreement to join forces on segments remained unchanged. However, promoting sustainable development by tailoring the reservation process, along Starting September 2019, the ‘Emissions and combating climate change. with restructured cancellation fees for Calculator’ will feature geo-referenced current LNG carrier practices, the Panama data to improve the quality and precision Over the last 105 years, the Panama Canal Canal aims to curb unused reservations of the carbon emissions data of vessels has offered shippers an unparalleled, moving forward, thereby improving transiting the Canal. The tool aims to environmentally sound route. Given the slot utilisation and service reliability. give customers – and the Canal – clear shorter travelling distance and larger insight into their carbon footprint to capacity offered, the Panama Canal ‘We tailored the Transit Reservation incentivise environmental stewardship consistently reduces fuel consumption System to align with the LNG market’s and reduce greenhouse gases (GHG). and emissions, generating less GHG spot and long-term contracts market compared to other routes. Neopanamax (Annual Delivery Programme) and The ‘Environmental Premium Ranking’ vessels transits offer the benefits of scheduling, commensurate with the lifting will factor in the use of low-carbon fuels economies of scales to the Canal’s of certain restrictions currently imposed and environmentally conscious transit customers, while contributing to emission on LNG vessels,’ said Silvia de Marucci. operations starting mid-September. reductions. Of the more than 50m tonnes This ranking affords customers of carbon dioxide (CO2) reduced since Despite being the fastest-growing with high environmental efficiency the inauguration of the expanded Canal, segment, LNG vessels used only 60% of standards the opportunity to improve the Neopanamax locks are responsible the reservations they acquire. LNG vessels their position within the Panama for the reduction of more than 35m are now the second most important Canal’s Customer Ranking System. tonnes of CO2. Since its opening in 1914, segment transiting the Neopanamax the Panama Canal has helped reduce locks in terms on tonnage, Marucci said. In 2014, the Panama Canal introduced four more than 750m tonnes of CO2. •
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New York
Caption
Terminals have increased capacity to accommodate Neopanamax ships Moving with the times
he Panama Canal expansion’s The Maryland Department of and challenges of automating ports and ‘before’ and ‘after’ had been Transportation will get $125, for the their surrounding environment, whether decisive periods for the US Baltimore Howard Street railroad they are planning to automate, and how ports’ transformation which, (CSX Transportation) tunnel to enable technologies may affect the workforce. Tdepending on their decision, either double stacking of shipping containers had to follow the trend or stagnate to and from the Port of Baltimore in The east coast ports have benefitted and US ports rushed to dredge, build this crucial freight-rail corridor. The from expansion as they continued to new piers and purchase new Post- Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating absorb west coast container traffic, panamax, STS cranes during the Agency (NOACA) will get $9.02m for taking nearly half of it, a 10% increase construction of the Panama Canal new Cleveland’s Cuyahoga River bulkhead over the last 10 years while growing locks. The timing was perfect as the project to replace bulkhead on the 2.5 times more than their Pacific rivals, Neopanamax locks were inaugurated, Cuyahoga River Ship Channel. This according to data published real estate with some delay, in July 2016, allowing is a key economic and environmental and logistics giant New York-listed JLL the terminals to increase capacity. protection funding initiative for the Port Inc, reported New York's FreightWaves. of Cleveland. And $8.04m will be given Not only the ports’ landscape has to PortMiami for its Seaboard Marine East coast ports controlled 48.9% of changed, featuring now bigger ships Terminal rehabilitation and expansion container traffic last year, up from 46% at quays but the list of customers initiative, which is the second year in in 2014 and 43.5% in 2008, said JLL’s had grown as well as volumes. a row this PortMiami terminal project annual study of North American seaports. will get an INFRA grant. Last year it And more larger vessels are delivered The US administration is giving some received US$7m for a new gate complex. Asian cargo to US east coast ports. funding facilities to three US port- related projects which will receive And the Trump Administration wants to In addition to the ports of Newark/ funding totalling $142.06m to spend support automation at US ports and is Elizabeth, New Jersey, Baltimore, on improving freight productivity and looking for advice from the government Maryland and Norfolk, Virginia, which efficiency. The American Association and private sectors on how to do it. In already have 50ft harbour draughts, a of Port Authorities (AAPA) said the US a request for information published on requirement to handle bigger vessels, Department of Transportation (USDOT) August 2, the US Maritime Administration the ports of Charleston, South Carolina, has selected the projects in Baltimore, (MarAd), part of the US Department of and Savannah, Georgia, are nearing the Cleveland and Miami to forward to Transportation, asked for comments completion of their deepening projects. Congress for grant funding under the from state and local agencies, companies Nationally Significant Freight and across all transportation modes, and The Port of Baltimore has a new look Highway Projects Programme (INFRA). technology developers on opportunities and sees finally its expansion plans
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completed and bringing success and fuels the state’s economy and supports Company earlier this year with work with it, dividends to the state and thousands of jobs throughout the freight expected to be completed in 2020. generation of new jobs. Even the industry.’ In the state of Maryland, biggest ships to transit the Panama there are roughly 140,000 jobs The overall ship channel deepening Canal have become a regular feature. dependent on the port of Baltimore. project has an estimated contract value of approximately $360m The 14,000teu Evergreen Triton arrived The first round of dredging deepened over the next five years. in May this year the Helen Delich Bentley one berth at Seagirt. In December Port of Baltimore, setting a new record 2018, MDOT MPA and Ports America ‘We are building and enhancing as the largest container ship to ever visit Chesapeake announced a $33m infrastructure and collaborating with new Maryland. The Neopanamax ship was project to develop a second 50ft deep partners as we prepare to accommodate able to call at Baltimore thanks to the container berth at the facility to major growth in crude oil production,’ port's recent dredging work. The previous allow two Neopanamax ships to call said Sean Strawbridge, ceo of the record-holder as the largest container simultaneously. Construction on the Port of Corpus Christi at the time. ship to visit the Port of Baltimore was the new berth is expected to commence 11,000teu Gunde Maersk, which arrived by the end of 2019, and it is expected The Port of Corpus Christi has become in October 2018. By comparison, this class to become operational by early 2021. the largest crude export port in the US. of ship is about double the average size Its location on the Gulf of Mexico and of ship that regularly came to Baltimore. The Port of Baltimore is coming off a proximity to the West Texas oil and ‘The significance of this vessel is its size,’ record-breaking year. In 2018, a record gas boom drove demand and traffic said Bayard Hogans, of Ports America. 43m tonnes of international cargo was for the Port of Corpus Christi. In 2018, handled by the port's state-owned and the Port of Corpus Christi exported Thanks to a public-private partnership privately-owned marine terminals, $10.8bn worth of crude oil. The Port between the Maryland Department surpassing the previous high mark of of Corpus Christi currently is the 4th of Transportation, Maryland Port 40.9m tonnes in 1974. The value of the largest port in the US in total tonnage, Administration (MDOT MPA) and cargo passing through the Port in 2018 and the expectation is that the Port’s Ports America Chesapeake, the Port was also a new benchmark, nearly $60bn, crude oil exports will triple, and perhaps of Baltimore is one of the few ports and the port saw record high numbers quadruple, as production continues to on the East Coast to have a 50ft for containerised cargo and ro-ro moves. increase, the port said in a statement. deep channel and a 50ft deep berth, Baltimore ranks first in the nation for which are necessary to accommodate ro-ro vehicles and ro-ro heavy equipment. And in April, the Port of Corpus Christi the mega-ships that now transit the Commission approved a 50-year-long- Panama Canal new locks. Ports America The Port of Corpus Christi began in lease agreement with Lone Star Ports, Chesapeake operates Seagirt Marine June 2019, the dredging work to expand LLC, a joint venture between the Terminal, the port’s container terminal. Corpus Christi Ship Channel and Carlyle Group and the Berry Group, to prepare the port for the anticipated develop a petroleum-export terminal. ‘Thanks to Maryland’s investment in increase in US crude oil exports. The The $1bn terminal is to be developed a 50ft berth, every year we are seeing ship channel Improvement project on 200 acres on Harbor Island, near larger and larger container ships will deepen and widen the entrance Corpus Christi, Texas, and expected to choosing the Port of Baltimore,’ said ship channel from 47ft up to 54ft and begin operation by the end of 2020. Maryland Governor Larry Hogan in widen it from 400ft to 530ft. The a statement. ‘Maryland truly is open $93m dredging contract was awarded The Lone Star Ports’ Complex (Harbor for business. The Port of Baltimore to Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Island Terminal) will have the deepest
Norfolk, Virginia
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channel depth of any on-shore crude Island. The execution of this new lease The Port of Oakland has issued a oil-export facility in the US. The enables the parties to commence major building permit for a Seaport Logistics agreement between the Port of Corpus equipment and materials procurements Complex and the developer, CenterPoint Christi Authority and Lone Star Ports and other construction efforts. Properties, began preparation and will provide significant accretive ground stabilisation work on its 27- value in the Port’s annual operating ‘This project on Harbor Island is the acre site early 2019 and is actively revenues and will be the first US next pivotal step in directing the growing engaged in construction on the onshore terminal capable of loading crude oil production in the US to global 460,000sq ft facility, with completion Suezmaxes and nearly full VLCCs. markets via our Port of Corpus Christi,’ expected mid-2020. CenterPoint’s said Charles W. Zahn, Jr., Port of $52m project would anchor a logistics ‘This long-term commitment is testament Corpus Christi Commission chairman. campus planned for 180 acres at the to the significance of the Corpus Christi decommissioned Oakland Army Base gateway for American energy exports, The American Association of Port which will be leased to tenants engaged which are expected to triple in the Authorities (AAPA) recognised the Port of in cargo transportation or logistics. next decade,’ said Sean Strawbridge. Corpus Christi’s Moving America’s Energy media campaign with its 2019 Award of ‘CenterPoint’s facility will give us logistics ‘A 50-year lease agreement with the Excellence. The campaign highlighted the capability you can’t find at other ports,’ Carlyle Group and the Berry Group port’s ongoing infrastructure investment said Port of Oakland maritime director joint-venture company, Lone Star Ports, programme and the importance of the John Driscoll. The Port envisions a is not only complementary to our existing record-breaking exports of American campus where containerised cargo marine terminal infrastructure but also energy to US trading partners around could be quickly transferred from ships positions the Port of Corpus Christi to the world. The AAPA Excellence Award to trucks or rail which it expects to be the preferred outlet for US-produced recognises the Port of Corpus Christi increase the volume of international crude exports serving all major global as an overall category top submission shipments moving through Oakland. demand centres for generations to come.’ amongst competing ports of similar size. The Port of Oakland's containerised ‘The Carlyle Group is enthusiastic about ‘We appreciate this recognition by our export volume increased by 4.2% in our shared vision with the Port of peers and the AAPA as we continue June 2019 compared to June 2018 totals Corpus Christi Commission to develop to share our story of American energy and has now reported year-over-year an environmentally safe, world-class independence,’ commented Corpus export volume gains in four consecutive facility that will position Corpus Christi Christi ceo Sean Strawbridge. ‘The months. Oakland’s total cargo volume, as a vital economic engine in Texas and Moving America’s Energy campaign has imports, exports and empties, is up around the globe,’ said Ferris Hussein, helped inform and educate the markets 3.6% through six months of 2019 managing director of The Carlyle Group. of this Nation’s strategic emergence as a compared to the same period last year. global producer and exporter of energy. Civil works for this facility repurposing Indeed, Washington and the international Monthly import volume in July was project, have been underway for stage have taken notice,’ he added. greater than in any other month in the past year ahead of finalising a ‘Thus, we continue our investment in the Port of Oakland's entire 92-year definitive lease agreement, including the the Port of Corpus Christi as we become history, port officials said early August. demolition of existing dock structures the largest US energy export gateway July import volume was also up 7.5% from a previous decades old Exxon status and ultimately achieve resiliency from the same period a year ago and crude import terminal on Harbor in energy and balance of trade.’ exports gained 10.2% compared to July
San Francisco Bay
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2018. The port attributed the gain to of Charleston, throughput increased Container throughput at the port of strong US consumer demand. Export 8.8% year-on-year to 2.m teu from July Houston has grown steadily during volume was also up from last year. 2018 through June 30, while moving the past decade, especially since the 200,406teu across the Wando Welch and widening of the Panama Canal was Continuing with record statistics, the North Charleston container terminals last completed in 2016. In the first five Port of Savannah moved an all-time month. SCPA's RapidRail programme, months of 2019, the Port of Houston high of 4.5m teu in the fiscal year that which provides a seamless connection has averaged a 12% increase compared ended June 30, representing year-on- between rail yards and marine terminals, with the same period in 2018. year growth of 7.3%. For the first time saw a record year with more than ever, the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) 330,000 rail moves in fiscal 2019. The While port operators on the east and handled half a million container lifts port now handles 24% of containerised west coasts are forecasting negative to rail, an increase of 16.6% compared volumes by intermodal container rail – outcome of the US-China trade war, to fiscal year 2018. The 506,707 the highest annual percentage in history. the Port of Los Angeles set a new intermodal boxes constituted one-fifth single-month cargo record in July of total containers, another record. As part of an on-going project to increase making it the busiest July ever for the terminal’ capacity by 66% to meet the US’ busiest container port. ‘The authority's investment in the port-wide cargo are rising by double Mason Mega Rail project is coming just digits, the Port of Houston will embark ‘Container exchange per vessel reached in time for our capacity to stay ahead on a $39.7m gate expansion that will 9,915teu, the highest and most efficient of demand, ensuring the free flow of double the number of truck lanes level we’ve ever experienced,’ said Port intermodal cargo,’ said GPA chairman into the Barbours Cut Terminal. The of Los Angeles executive director Gene Will McKnight. ‘The first phase of funds, approved by the Port of Houston Seroka. ‘Despite the continued decline the project will be complete this year, Authority Monday, will increase the in exports and high level of uncertainty cutting rail transit time to Midwestern number of gate lanes from 14 to 28 and driven by trade tensions, we continue to markets by 24 hours.’ The Mason Mega upgrade 23 acres of existing pavement optimise our facilities and are grateful Rail project will double Savannah's for more efficient container storage. The for the support and confidence of our rail capacity and create the largest on- port has also approved $1.2m to update supply chain partners,’ he added. terminal intermodal facility in North parts of the gate operating system to be America. By 2021, the new facility will completed by 2021, for the additional According to the Port of Los Angeles, be able to handle one million containers 14 lanes, including new cameras and July 2019 imports increased 8.7% a year. ‘Rail cargo is expanding at twice audio interface to communicate with compared to 2018 but exports decreased the rate of our overall container trade, truck drivers, and ticket printers. 4% while empties increased 20.7%. Seven reducing congestion on our highways months into 2019 overall volumes have and increasing Georgia's reach to a mid- With an on-going upgrade, Barbours Cut increased 6% compared to 2018, when American arc of cities, including Chicago, Terminal that will increase its capacity the port set an all-time cargo record. St. Louis and Columbus, Ohio,’ said from 1.5m teu to 2.5m teu. Barbours GPA's executive director Griff Lynch. Cut handled about 1m loaded and At neighbouring Port of Long Beach, the unloaded teu in 2018, 37% of Houston’s nation’s second-busiest container port, And in the South Carolina Ports containerised cargo, with the remainder volumes fell nearly 10% in July from Authority (SCPA), with its main port handled by its second terminal, Bayport. impacts from the ongoing trade war. • Port of Houston
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PANAMA MARITIME AUTHORITY (AMP)
IMO secretary general Kitack Lim, key speaker at Panama Maritime XIV
The modernisation of the AMP guarantees continuity Efficient service
ith the election on The minister of maritime affairs and exaggerated costs, has been long in the May 5 of President head of the AMP at the time, Jorge making but succeeded in perfecting Laurentino Corizo Barakat, has succeeded in developing a and strengthening the Ship Registry of the Revolutionary closer relation with all the actors of the technological platform. The platform WDemocratic Party (PRD, Partido sectors and ‘institutionalising the AMP by provides issuance of electronic certificates Revolucionario Democratico) a new completing the ISO certification in all the in its entirety and increases the levels of administration began on July 1 seeing directions of the authority,’ she added. modernisation and automation in ‘our changes of ministers in the cabinet, diversified offers of services of a technical important government authorities ‘We now offer an efficient service to nature for the maritime sector, applying and autonomous entities, including all international and local clients the recommendations of the International the Panama Maritime Authority thanks to substantial improvements Maritime Organisation (IMO) set out in (AMP) whose administrator is in IT with the creation of an integral Circular FAL.5 / Circ.39 / Rev.2, adopted Noriel Arauz, a naval architect. platform of services for the ship by the Facilitation Committee of this registry, seafarers and inspections,’ Organisation,’ explained Barakat. It had been a productive year at the AMP commented Barakat, pondering on his as the new president of the Panama five-year tenure. ‘We have integrated The implementation of the new Maritime Law Association (PMLA) and legalised the brokers and even methodology has contributed to Jazmina Rovi told her fellow lawyers incorporated direct discounts on line.’ streamline procedures, the improvement when she took office in April 2019. ‘If of processes, response times, and you allow me, I take the floor to extend The modernisation of the AMP with a of course ensure the validity and well-deserved congratulations from the ‘in house’ IT system via a very capable authenticity, in the issuance of technical PMLA to the AMP and, in particular to IT team that will guarantee continuity certificates issued by the International the General Directorate of Merchant and platform improvements without Ship Registry of Panama, by including Marine, for the success achieved in the the digital signature and other audit carried out in 2019 by the Tokyo security and transparency features. Memorandum of Understanding which resulted in the audit team recommending New markets have been opened in Turkey at the Thirtieth Meeting of the Port State and in the Middle East, in Saudi Arabia Committee the admission of Panama as and Oman. New SEGUMAR offices a Permanent Member of the Tokyo MoU have been created with the capacity of where it has been on the white list for giving the Register’s customers not only more than 10 years; and to the General technical but excellent service of all kinds. Directorate of Ports and Auxiliary Maritime Industries for the presentation The AMP network has 14 technical of the Strategic Plan for Maritime and Port documentation offices for ships Development of Panama-Vision 2040 with (Segumar), strategically located for a view to optimising auxiliary maritime the benefit of its clients: Miami (US),
activities and increasing the productivity Noriel Arauz, AMP administrator and minister Piraeus (Greece), Istanbul (Turkey), of the Panamanian maritime sector.’ of maritime affairs Singapore, Seoul and Busan (South
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Korea), and Imabari and Tokyo (Japan) International Maritime Organization 29 December 2017 and is known as the and the one installed in Panama City, and have been re-elected for the ‘Naval Financing Law’. The legislation as well as the new offices established biennium 2018-2019 and the Registry creates an attractive investment in: London (UK), Manila (Philippines), is in the Tokyo MoU White List and environment and contemplates ship Dubai (UAE), Houston (EU) and the since 2010 in the White List of the Paris financing from banks established in recently inaugurated one in Shanghai Memorandum of Understanding (Paris Panama while extending its reach (China). These offices offer technical- MoU), entities responsible for supervising to all foreign financial institutions nautical consultancy, assistance in cases the activities of the Governing State providing they establish a branch office of emergency, issuance of certificates of the Port in the continent. After a in Panama to enjoy the law’s benefits. and technical documents required on satisfactory result of the Tokyo MoU The new Law rules and regulations board Panama-flagged vessels that are audit, Panama will be included as have been approved and are awaiting [at issued exclusively by the administration, Permanent Member of the Tokyo MoU. presstime] the President’s signature on as well as other services required by the Executive Decree to enter force soon. shipowners or captains of the registry. After many years in the pipeline, Panama passed legislation for ship financing, the The law creates a special legal regime Since 2002, the AMP has been part of first of its kind for the country. The Law for financing operations in the local and the ‘A’ Category of the Council of the 50 of 28 June 2017 entered into force on international maritime sector and grants
A new team leads the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) Panama’s new President Laurentino Cortizo has sworn in his cabinet and with it a new team combining experience and youth for the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) that oversees the maritime sector and the world’s largest Ship Registry.
Noriel Arauz, a naval architect, will be the AMP Administrator and Minister of Maritime Affairs. Arauz is praised for good AMP administrator Noriel Arauz with the Authority new directors technical knowledge and his appointment has opportunities for them since we are the world’s largest ship been applauded by the local maritime sector. He is an affable registry but they need to prepare consequently. And we will man, very accessible and fluent in English and his first contacts help them to do so.’ with the international ship owners’ community, have initiated strong relationships. ‘My priority is to make sure we respect international conventions, be ready for the Sulphur Cap of 2020 since we He will be accompanied by nautical engineer Samuel Ferreira have an important bunker sector, maintain our flag position as deputy administrator; maritime lawyer Elvia Bustavino is in the White List of Paris MoU and continue to give our Ship the new secretary-general; and at the direction of merchant Registry customers a good and efficient service.’ marine and head of the Ship Registry by nautical engineer Rafael Cigarruista. ‘We have also to work in preparation to receive the Audit of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) which Cigarruista has a wealth of experience in Casualty measures Panama’s compliance with the IMO Compulsory Investigation, Flag Inspection, Classification, Certification Instruments, which must be carried out in the year 2021.’ of Vessels and STCW (seafarers) requirements, having worked previously in different areas all related to the flag ‘In addition to current international regulations, there are implementation requirements and responsibilities. Cigarruista’s regulations that will come into force as of next year, such as deputy is also a nautical engineer, Capt. Demostenes Sanchez, those seeking to reduce to 50% sulphur oxide emissions from who has much experience at the AMP. At the head of the ships, and those related to illegal fishing, with the certification Seafarers’ department is Capt. Juan Maltes and in charge of the of the crew members on board the fishing vessels and with Ports direction, Lic Flor Pitty who has a master in transport the procedures of supervision by the State Master of the port and navigation sciences. worldwide,’ says Arauz.
One of the new Minister of maritime affairs’ objectives is ‘to ‘The Amador cruise terminal is high on my priority list. It integrate the sea to the politics and economy of Panama and will be completed in 2020 and we have to improve some of enforce special training for Panamanian seafarers. We must the tender’s conditions for its operation. It has been a big prepare them better in English to access employment on the government investment that will quickly bear fruits if we Panama-flagged vessels and the cruise ships. Panamanian consider the enormous interest it has created in the cruise seafarers must understand there is a large market and industry, eager to find a home port on the Pacific side,’ he adds.
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IMO Kitack Lim inaugurated Panama Maritime XIV
fiscal, migratory and labour incentives that contribute to strengthening relations there is internet access 24/7, obtaining for companies carrying out maritime between the two countries. In particular, information on all applications that financing operations and maritime project following the signature of the MoU with are entered into the system. The ASI fundable, from the Republic of Panama. China’s Ministry of Transport, Panama carried out through this system will be will send eight Panamanian professionals carried out at an international level to Article 2 of Law 50 of 2017 defines as who will receive a scholarship for the all Panama-flagged vessels through the Maritime Project Financing those that Dalian Maritime University, one of the flag inspectors duly authorised by the are oriented towards the construction of most prestigious in China, for which some General Directorate of Merchant Marine. ships, of shipyards and other premises, 60 candidates entered the competition. workshops or yards for construction Panama’s Minister of Maritime Affairs of ships and repairs of containers used ‘The mutual contribution in areas such Jorge Barakat and the United States’ for foreign trade and the construction as maritime environmental protection, Maritime Authority Administration of offshore wind farms. ‘This law certification and training of seafarers, (MARAD)’s Admiral Mark. H. Buzby, complements previous legislations for the recognition of documentation of the have inked a major maritime transport establishment of foreign multinational ships, the port state control, among co-operation agreement in Washington companies, [in order to attract shipowners, others, has grown with the signature DC in September 2018. ‘The signing of operators, ship building and ship repairs, of the treaty signed by Panama and this Memorandum of Co-operation will container building and repairs, insurance China in November 2017,’ said minister optimise the exchange of information companies] and now banks and other Barakat. ‘Likewise, we see cooperation and experiences for the training of financial institutions to open up branches between both administrations not seafarers and port operators; it will in the country, thus continue moving only in maritime matters, but also in also promote favourable conditions for on its way to become an international human resources and education.’ the private sector investment and will maritime centre,’ described Barakat. serve as a framework to present the The launching, at end-July 2018, of the maritime investment projects promoted With the opening of diplomatic Maritime Safety and Inspection System by Panama to US investors, in order relations with the People’s republic of Global Platform, on accurate and fast to continue strengthening Panama’s China, Panama and Beijing signed in receiving data system working on a 24/7 logistics hub’ said Minister Barakat. ‘It November 2017 an accord on maritime basis was an important milestone. ‘This is important to highlight that we have transport to promote maritime and port platform, in addition to facilitating the fulfilled one of the main objectives development of Panama and China, work of Panamanian inspectors, will proposed by both administrations since strengthen the ship registry and support guarantee the safety of the seaworthiness the bilateral meeting held in 2016, the Chinese Maritime Authority in of the vessels registered under the when we presented the first draft of the the maritime safety issues of Panama- Panama flag and will show warning Agreement together with the interest of flagged vessels sailing in its waters. measures for the decision-making based our country in strengthening the bonds of on the different processes carried out understanding and maritime cooperation,’ The accord entered into force May 17, by the Department of Navigation and added the minister of maritime affairs. 2018 and since July 1, 2018, the Panama Maritime Safety, for the realisation of Ship Registry received the ‘Most Favoured Annual Flag Inspections (ASI), Interior The AMP, which oversees Panama’s Nation’ treatment. The Panama-flagged Service Inspections (ISI), as well as Port Ship Registry has adopted Pole Star's vessels can now enjoy the advantages and State Control Inspections (PSC),’ said PurpleTRAC solution to ensure lower port costs applicable to other states Jorge Barakat. The new platform offers a compliance to International sanctions which have similar agreements with fast and fluid communication between the across its registry operations and is the China. The agreement includes transfer Department of Navigation and Maritime first in the sector to do so. Recently, of knowledge and technical control of Safety and the Departments of Ship Dow Jones Risk & Compliance and Pole ships’ documentation and crews on board Registration, Maritime Protection of Ships Star have announced a partnership for Panamanian vessels. Also, both countries and the General Directorate of Seafarers. vessel tracking and screening checks. signed a Memorandum of Understanding The partnership enables users of (MoU) on maritime matters. The MoU The system can be accessed from a fixed Dow Jones’ trade compliance solution will implement projects and activities or mobile computer from any place where to access additional intelligence for
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vessel screening and monitoring via Panama Vision 2040. CAF contributed investments and inventory of available Pole Star’s PurpleTRAC software. through a non-reimbursable cooperation areas; proposal for the reordering of of $125,000 to develop the strategy, for auxiliary maritime services; identification PurpleTRAC provides a vessel’s complete a period of nine months and the report of the parameters’ of environmental voyage history and screening checks was made by Mc Valnera S.L., a Spanish policies for development and a road map for advanced auditing, combining company. The port system of Panama by port area or pole with the Priority Transponder signals with Inmarsat is constituted by a large conglomerate Bases of Action. ‘Those maritime projects Satellite tracking. Dow Jones’ trade of state ports, concessioners’ ports, must be realised through the figure compliance solution enables companies concessioners’ terminals, docks, berths, Public-Private-Partnership,’ said Barakat. to assess risk with regard to dual- shipyards and ramps. This conglomerate use goods, trade counterparties, constitutes one of the fundamental The AMP and the General Directorate vessels and sanctioned cities and pillars of the Panamanian economy. of Maritime Transport of the Federal ports. It gives coverage of all major Public Mobility and Transport Service export control regimes, including Panama Vision 2040 proposes a ‘Strategic of Belgium signed a Cooperation the Wassenaar Arrangement, the Maritime and Port Development Plan’ for Agreement, with the purpose that Chemical Weapons Convention the next 20 years with actions required to the competency titles of Panamanian and US Commerce Control List. contribute to the increase of the country's officers are recognised by the maritime productivity, the eventual construction administration of Belgium, which Pole Star’s PurpleTRAC solution has of new terminals, the development of the concludes the initial phase of the process been designed and built in conjunction ports, the modernisation of the existing so that the competition titles issued by with institutions that have regulatory infrastructures, the coastal reordering the AMP, are recognised by the European and sanctions exposures in maritime and the regulation of auxiliary maritime Union (EU), which marks a milestone transportation and supply chains. economic activities; as well as the in Panamanian maritime history. This The platform allows its clients to implementation of electronic information important agreement was signed by the screen and monitor large numbers of exchange systems to expedite the reception minister of maritime affairs for Panama, vessels used for sea trade on a daily of ships and international maritime traffic. Jorge Barakat and the secretary of state basis, automating complex compliance for the North Sea, Belgium, Philippe De processes and generating an auditable The report focuses on an integral Backer, and also by the director of the record of their compliance with development of Panama's directorate general of navigation, Eugeen international trade sanctions. competitiveness; the priority action Van Craeyvelt, at the office of the Maritime bases applicable to the generation of Inspectorate of Belgium (BMI) in Brussels. The AMP has presented, together with added value by port area; the analysis the Development Bank of Latin America of port facilities: current activities and This process began in June 2016, when (CAF), a strategic plan for maritime and action proposal; definition of poles the present administration, during an port development of the Republic of of port development; identification of official visit to Belgium, held the first
Postal stamps commemorate the centenary of the Panamanian Ship Registry
The Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) the AMP and minister of maritime and the General Directorate of Post affairs at the time. and Telegraph have launched the first issue of stamps for the centenary of the It is also the recognition of the efforts Ship Registry to commemorate public of all the ke players, who over the recognition of this important activity. course of a century have promoted the growth of world trade, through Panama’s vocation as a maritime the development of international country began at the beginning of services such as the flagging of ships the 20th century, December 15, 1917, and of the maritime industry. Barakat when Panama began its journey in the competitive world of thanked the National Post Office and its general director, maritime industry opening a new window of opportunities Rubén Gómez, for this issuance of new stamps. and laying the foundations for the success of the International Ship Registry of Panama. The director of the Post and Telegraph office Rubén Gómez highlighted the maritime activity impact in Panama’s economy ‘Those commemorative stamps mark a milestone, since it while noting that the launching of six postal stamps, with images honours for the first time an activity that has contributed of ships transiting the international seas waving the Panamanian to the national development, being the Ship Registry flag is an homage to the Centennial of the Panamanian Ship the first maritime international services company of the Registry, which through its motto ‘uniting ports, seas and people’ Republic of Panama,’ said Jorge Barakat, administrator of has helped to celebrate the name of Panama.
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meeting of rapprochement between guarantee a safe and reliable maritime be agreed with the merchant marine both maritime administrations, which transport,’ said minister Barakat. sector, because many of them are strong resulted in the support of Belgium to measures that can affect the direct Panama when it applied before the The AMP presented to Panama’s participation by several agents in this European Commission for the recognition maritime community in May 2019 a business. Therefore, decisions must be of qualifications of competence and marketing study on the Ship Registry focused on accessibility, modernisation, degrees of sufficiency of third countries aiming at looking at Panama’s speed and quality of service, the not members of the European Union. competitors and what to do to improve reduction of costs borne by users, and the the Registry tonnage which has slightly capture of new vessel registries, among Belgium, being the applicant country slowed down in the past two years. other objectives,’ said the head of Panama and as a requirement for the signing of Ship Registry, Fernando Solorzano. this Agreement, conducted a preliminary The study's conclusions showed an audit in Panama in March 2018, to the excessive red tape and costs since During Barakat’s administration, the General Directorate of Seafarers, whose most of the registrations of vessels are AMP for the first time has made ‘real purpose was to verify the degree of made through consulates. It calls for a investments’ such as the $165m in a cruise compliance. ‘The efforts made by the redefinition of the register and advocates terminal, and not the typical investments AMP demonstrated the commitment of considering changing the present model in small ports or fishing facilities. ‘It was this Administration to comply with the to a new state-owned entity, independent, a long over-due project that we made a STCW'78 Convention, as amended, and in some way similar to corporate- reality and that will put Panama on the to promote the employment opportunities government institutions. The idea is not map of cruise tourism,’ said Barakat. The of our seafarers, as well as to strengthen new and had been contemplated quite terminal will be inaugurated in 2020. the technical cooperation ties between often but the advantages of being a state- Panama and Belgium, demonstrating backed register guaranteeing quality and ‘There are still challenges but the in this way that the Panamanian security have kept the existing structure. most important will be, for the future Registry is focused on providing the administration, to eliminate the international maritime industry, officers ‘The study is a good basis for adopting representation of the consuls and in its with a high level of professional training, changes in the service infrastructure. place, create ‘technical registrar offices.’ competitive and at the forefront with However, it is necessary to incorporate ‘For a truly independent registry [without the technological requirements that actions that must be adopted, which must changing its structure],’ said Barakat. • Panama Maritime Authority receives the Hellenic Maritime Award
The Hellenic Maritime Forum that took place in Greece, awarded the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) its highest reward, the ‘Hellenic Maritime Centre Award’ as a recognition for its commitment to make the shipping industry safer, more ecological and sustainable.
‘The Panama Ship Registry, the world’s largest both in registered vessels and tonnage, has the support of the State which provides security and international quality service. The Register is dynamic, always in constant expansion and seeking new business opportunities, which explains why we have the ‘first place’ in the shipowners’ preferences. Proof of that is our latest registration of the world's largest self-propelled semi-submersible crane called SLEIPNIR, designed to perform underwater equipment installations and removals, decommissioning services and and authenticity of the issuance of technical certificates by heavy lift operations in oil and gas installations on the high seas the International Ship Registry of Panama with including the around the world,’ said Jorge Barakat, minister for Maritime digital signature and other security and transparency features,’ Affairs when receiving the trophy (pictured). he noted.
‘During this past quinquennium, we have made significant legal ‘Since 2002, we have been part of the "A" Category of the and regulatory changes in order to guarantee the quality and Council of the International Maritime Organisation and have transparency of our work, since we represent 18% of the world been re-elected for the biennium 2018-2019. In addition, since merchant fleet and set the standard of the shipping business.’ 2002 we belong to the Tokyo White List of the Memorandum of Understanding (Tokyo MoU) and since 2010 to the White ‘The implementation of the on-line technology [in the List of the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (Paris MoU), Register] has contributed to streamline procedures, improving entities responsible for supervising the activities of the Port processes, response time, and of course ensure the validity State Control in the continent,’ added Barakat.
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An important contributor to the country's economy Oldest open registry
anama Ship Registry has being the oldest open registry, it The ship registry is an important become a brand name in is the world’s largest register since contributor to the country’s economy the maritime sector since its 1993, having never failed to ratify, bringing directly around $160m in fees creation in 1917. Although it implement and comply with the major and taxes, and indirectly some $250m Pis entering its 103rd year of operation, international maritime conventions. including the legal sector which is one of
A new team leads Panama Ship Registry
With the new Administration of President Laurentino Cortizo line services with modern Cohen, on July 1, a new team came on board the Panama technology though respecting Maritime Authority with the designation of naval architect due diligence which is taking Noriel Arauz as administrator and minister of maritime affairs, more importance than ever in and nautical engineer Rafael Cigarruista at the head of the view of continuous threats at directorate of merchant marine, therefore responsible for the sea,’ he explains. Panama Ship Registry and Capt. Demostemes Sanchez as his deputy director. After 20 years of experience, always in full contact with It was the first time, in more than a decade, that the institution ship owners, charters, that governs the maritime sector, is administrated by seafarers and life onboard technicians of the sector. Vessels, his view, prospective and approach are certainly Cigarruista has a wealth of experience in Casualty different, from the dry dock (repairs and construction) to the Investigations, Flag Inspections, Classification of Vessels, ISM, ISPS and MLC Implementation. IMO Rules Implementations including STCW (seafarers) requirements, having previously worked in different areas ‘The market has changed therefore the Panama Flag business all related to the flag implementation requirements and model must adapt, we must understand that our way or responsibilities, as well as in the private sector. working, methodology and internal process are in extremely need to be part of a vast re-engineering. The technical staff An affable man who starts his day at around 5a.m., exercising must be specialised, digitalisation, transparency, rules of and reading international newspapers before going to the office, implementation and compliance and customer service are the ‘my work days are long and I don’t leave until I close urgent main topics that we must tackle as soon as possible,’ he says. files,’ he says. ‘Our registry is still the leader. However, competition is pushing The world’s largest registry is getting an extreme make-over us to take immediate actions. In other words, our users, to maintain it in this position considering that competition is providers and customers can rest assure that this administration fierce amongst the world’s top registers. ‘We need to address is in the good hands of experience and knowledgeable team some internal re-structuring in particular in the investigation in the maritime sector to set forth on this voyage to optimise, and technical supervision departments, improving our on- maintain and support the Panama Registry for here on.’
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qualify for establishing technical offices in China for the control of maritime safety and navigation of its vessels, which will strengthen the quality of the fleet. A Consulate was later opened in Guangzhou, formerly Canton, which is an important centre of distribution.
In November 2017 in Beijing, Panama and China signed a bi-lateral Agreement on Maritime Transport that includes Panama in the list of co-operative countries and promote the competitiveness of the Ship Registry. its main beneficiaries. It is also the flag 42m gt while 37% are under nine years A Memorandum of Understanding with the highest number of seafarers, of age with 2,137 vessels and 81.2m gt. (MoU) on maritime matters was later over 630,000 seafarers’ worldwide which Under 14 years of age are 1,336 ships, signed by China’s Ministry of Transport held Panama competency licence to date, 21%, totalling 45.02m gt and vessels over and the AMP. The MoU allows to the largest manpower registry globally. 15 years total 49.9m gt and 3,410 ships. implement projects and activities that contribute to strengthening The numbers of vessels rise or decrease In recent years, the Panama Maritime relations between the two countries. slightly but have remained relatively Authority (AMP) has opened new offices constant. Total tonnage at end-December of SEGUMAR (Segumar is the acronym Starting July 1, 2018, the Panama Ship 2018 reached 217,152,595gt down from for Seguridad Maritima – Safety at Sea. Registry has received ‘the Most Favoured 218,484,082gt at end June 2018. The The Segumar offices offer technical Nation’ treatment and Panama-flagged number of vessels in December 2018 support and a 24/7 service all year vessels can now enjoy the advantages to 8,000, up from 7,916 in June 2018 round) in Ibamari, home of Japan’s and lower port costs applicable to other (the register eliminated several ships leading maritime cluster and in Istanbul States which have similar agreements considered sub-standards) but down and Miami, that has replaced the New with China. The agreement includes from 8,017 in December 2017 and York office. Segumar has also offices in transfer of knowledge and technical 8,085 in June 2017, according to IHS Piraeus, Busan, Seoul, Singapore and control of ships’ documentation and Global. At February 2019, the number Tokyo with the Segumar-Panama office crews on board Panamanian vessels. of ships slightly decreased to 7,916 having the largest number of employees. while tonnage was up to 217,227,377gt. Digital technology has been implemented All these offices are staffed with in the Ship Registry starting with the Panama’s merchant marine represents technicians speaking the language of Seafarers Automated Application (SAA), 17.1% of the world’s fleet at end-June, 2018 the country and, as such, able to reply therefore the manual system has been and the age of the fleet is at 18 years. promptly to any eventual technical suspended. SAA is the technological problems. ‘We have also opened platform that allows access online, 24/7, The participation at August 2018, by Segumar offices that provide these same with emissions of seafarers’ documents vessels owners’ nationalities was the services in Manila, London, Houston in short time with transparency, following: Topping the list is Japan with and Dubai,’ said Panama Maritime following standards established in the 41.3% of total Panama’s tonnage; South Authority (AMP)’s general director STCW’78, amended, which confirms that Korea, 9.7%; Greece, 6 %; Switzerland, of Merchant Marine and head of the the maritime administration complies 5.9%; PRC, 5.2%, China/Taiwan, 5.1%; Ship Registry Fernando Solórzano. with the international standards of Panama registered China/Hong Kong, 2.1%; Bermuda, 1.5% ‘And recently, a Segumar office has training and certification for the more Helsinki Bridge and others, 23.3%, according to Panama’s been habilitated in Shanghai, China’. than 600,000 seafarers worldwide. Merchant Marine statistics department. The decision to open diplomatic relations As well, the implementation of the The majority of Panama’s fleet, with China in June 2017 gave Panama’s BWMC has been the kick-start 48% is constituted by bulk carriers, maritime sector and the Ship Registry opportunity to achieve this goal, through 103.8m gt; followed by dry cargo in particular many opportunities. An the e-segumar application window, and and passengers, 27% with 59.5m gt; immediate benefit was the opening of the as well as in this way contribute with tankers with 22% and 47.8m gt; and Consulate and merchant marine office the paperless culture. The certificates others with 3% and 7m gt for a total of in Shanghai, with a Segumar office. will not be delegated to the Recognised 218.16m gt according to IHS Global. Organisations (ROs). The certificates The Shanghai Consulate can register have validity and consistency with the To date, 56% of the fleet is under ten all maritime services including naval format and content required by the years old with 19% under four years of mortgages and property titles. Now relevant International Conventions or age with 1,104 vessels and tonnage of with diplomatic relations, Panama will instrument. The certificates are protected
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from edits, modifications or revisions will guarantee The system can be accessed from a by other parties. They have a unique the safety of the fixed or mobile computer from any tracking number for verification purpose, navigability of the place where there is internet access as well as a printable and visible symbol vessels registered 24/7, obtaining information on all confirming the source of issuance. under the Panama applications that are entered into the flag and will system. The ASI carried out through ‘With the new platform e-segumar show warning this system will be carried out at an app, (e-segumar application window) measures for the international level to all Panama-flagged third parties’ intervention is not decision- making vessels through the flag inspectors Fernando Solorzano required; this will reduce as well any based on the duly authorised by the General additional charge, unless the ship different processes carried out by the Directorate of Merchant Marine. The owner or operator decided to use third Department of Navigation and Maritime system streamlines the process of data parties in this process,’ says Fernando Safety, for the realisation of Annual delivery by inspectors ASI, PSC, ISI in Solorzano. The current e-certificates Flag Inspections (ASI), Domestic national and international waters, in are: CLC 92; BWMP Approval; IBWMC fleet Inspections (ISI), as well as Port addition the application provides the and DMLC Part I. And as part of the State Control Inspections (PSC). facility to administer inspectors' files, planning schedule more certificates as well as handle everything digitally, will be added to the e-Segumar This new ‘app’ provides a fast and fluid including images. It is possible to platform during these coming years. communication between the Department review all the documents of the same of Navigation and Maritime Safety and by the different users of the sections ‘As a leading Register, we are working the Departments of Ship Registration, of the different types of inspections, towards the commitment with the Maritime Protection of Ships and the besides being able to carry out online shipping industry to facilitate the General Directorate of Seafarers. It evaluations to the inspectors and to communication among the ship, its owner, will show the warning measures for archive a history of everything they have manager, the port state control authorities, decision making based on the different done throughout their delegation of the class or Recognised Organisations, processes carried out by the Department respective functions or authorisations. and our administration,’ says Solorzano. of Navigation and Maritime Safety, either through (emails or warning messages Information on all ASI, PSC and ISI Panama Ship Registry has also in the web application), where the applications can be obtained and follow- launched the Maritime Safety and offline application will be integrated up on PSC inspections carried out on Inspection System Global Platform, on mobile devices (tablets), for carrying Panama-flagged vessels in foreign ports, an accurate and fast receiving data out Annual Flag Inspections (ASI) and accessing the information reported in the system working on a 24/7 basis. Domestic fleet Inspections (ISI), to databases of the different Memorandum the Panama-flagged ships, as well as of Understanding of Port State Control This platform, in addition to facilitating conducting Port State Inspections (PSC) whose access has been authorised by the work of Panamanian inspectors, to the ships flagged by other registries. the Maritime Authority of Panama.
Panama-flagged world’s largest dual-fuel semi-submersible crane vessel
The Netherlands-based Heerema Marine Contractors (HMC) has developed a new generation of cranes called Sleipnir. The SLEIPNIR is designed for heavy work on the high seas around the world. It is equipped with two cranes of 10,000m tonnes of lifting capacity each and a reinforced deck area of 220mtr long and 102mtr wide, making it the largest crane vessel in the world. Caption
Named after Norse God Odin’s eight-legged stallion, the SLEIPNIR is the first SSCV to be able to run on LNG and/or marine gasoil (MGO) for the installation and decommissioning of offshore structures globally.
This very special vessel is classed by Lloyd’s Register of Shipping and registered under the flag of Panama by the Netherlands- Jotun B, Shell’s Brent A, Total’s Tyra, Equinor’s Johan based Hubel marine BV operated by Erik de Koning. Sverdrup P2, Aibel’s P2, Marathon Oil UK’s Brae Bravo, and Fairfield Energy’s Dunlin Alpha Topsides. Built at a price of $1.5bn, Netherlands-headquartered Heerema has lined up at least eight jobs including the first in September ‘We believe that in five years’ time there will be a sufficient this year for Noble’s Leviathan field in offshore Israel lifting a uptake in gas bunkering worldwide,’ said Pieter Heerema, 15,000tonne topside. Seven other jobs include ExxonMobil’s chairman of the board of Heerema Marine Contractors.
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In January 2018 The General Directorate of Merchant Marine in the SEGUMAR- implementation of the standard, which of Merchant Marine (DGMM) of the Panama Department and ‘considering will be effective as of January 1, 2020. Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) the importance of the implementation was successfully audited by Lloyd's of this Convention at the international In this sense, Panama through "Marina Register Quality Assurance, Inc. (LRQA), level and compliance by the Panamanian Notice" published in January 2019 with achieving an effective transition from merchant fleet, it is therefore necessary to the objective of raising awareness on the the Standard of Quality ISO 9001: 2008 delegate to our Recognised Organisations new regulations, has advised its users to the Quality Standard ISO 9001: 2015. some of the tasks necessary to control to develop an implementation plan for and comply with the Convention's a low percentage of sulphur in fuels. The ISO 9001: 2015 Standard is the guidelines on board Panama-flagged basis of the Quality Management vessels,’ said the AMP. Within these At the same time, they consider it vitally System-SGC, which fulfils the requirements it is possible to emphasise important not to neglect the reality that function of establishing international that the ships bigger than 400gt, are the "scrubbers" are options allowed by regulations that serve as a reference object of inspections with the purpose the interested Member Parties, whose standard for the quality management of verifying the faithful fulfilment with application on Panamanian fleet vessels of a company anywhere in the world. the requirements of the Convention. have been approved and reported to For the Ship Registry, obtaining this the IMO, as appropriate. Therefore, re-certification in the framework ‘Currently, we have a special category they do not object the research taken of its centennial is fundamental to of Circulars called ‘BWMC’ available and believe that the experience of those carry on imposing new goals. on the website www.segumar.com, vessel owners whom, in good faith, where our users can find updated have installed adequate equipment or The International Convention for the information regarding the AMP’s mechanisms must be considered, thus Control and Management of Ships' policy on the Convention for the avoiding penalties for the initiators. Ballast Water and Sediments, adopted Management of Ballast Water and in 2004 (BWMC), came into force. Sediments of Ships,’ explains Solorzano. Therefore, and as they have stated Accordingly, all ships engaged in previously, Panama will continue international maritime transport must All vessels are required to maintain participating in all of these deliberations, carry out their ballast and sediment a BWM management plan, and contributing with its support in a water management in accordance with the procedures described shall be determined and diligent matter to the provisions of that Convention. The implemented. In addition, all ships and for the maritime industry, and AMP and the Ship Registry have created will have to carry a ‘Ballast Water executing balanced measurements that a specialised section to evaluate the Log Book’ and must apply BWM are necessary for compliance with the technical documentation that Panama- procedures in accordance with requirements of the IMO in relation flagged ships must carry on board, the rules of the Convention. to the quality of the environment and as evidence of faithful compliance the operational efficiency of vessels. with the International Convention. In reference to the "Sulphur Cap 2020", the Panama Maritime Administration There are a number of yachts that fly As a result, the AMP determined that has stated that it respects and abides the Panama flag. Notwithstanding, there the definitive certification and approval the IMO decision related to the have been issues in which the Panama of the Ballast Water Management compliance measures on low percentage Ship Registry has encountered lack of Convention (BWMC) plans will be of sulphur in fuels, and continues proper regulations to confront specific carried out by the General Directorate to make efforts to guarantee the matters. Thus, the Panama Maritime
Dow Jones Risk & Compliance to use Pole Star tracking solution
The Panama Maritime Authority (AMP), which oversees Julian Longson, managing director of Pole Star, said, ‘As we Panama’s Ship Registry has adopted Pole Star’s PurpleTRAC strive to make maritime trade safe and compliant, forming solution to ensure compliance to International sanctions across this mutually beneficial partnership with Dow Jones – the its registry operations and is the first in the sector to do so. world leaders in third-party risk management and regulatory compliance solutions – is an exciting next step for us,’ Recently, Dow Jones Risk & Compliance and Pole Star have commented Julian Longson, md of Pole Star. announced a partnership for vessel tracking and screening checks. The partnership enables users of Dow Jones’ trade Dow Jones’ trade compliance solution enables companies to compliance solution to access additional intelligence for vessel assess risk with regard to dual-use goods, trade counterparties, screening and monitoring via Pole Star’s PurpleTRAC software. vessels and sanctioned cities and ports.
PurpleTRAC provides a vessel’s complete voyage history It provides coverage of all major export control regimes, and screening checks for advanced auditing, combining including the Wassenaar Arrangement, the Chemical Weapons Transponder signals with Inmarsat Satellite tracking. Convention and US Commerce Control List.
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Authority has decided to adopt as its be agreed with the merchant marine controls, and implement – if the final own, the regulations appearing in the sector, because many of them are strong decision is to maintain the consular Red Ensign Yacht Code Part A and measures that can affect the direct offices external contacts, the E-Consulate Part B (Resolution No.106-82-DGMM of participation by several agents in this system, so that all Services are provided September 12th, 2018). These regulations, business. Therefore, decisions must be online, including electronic documents prepared and adopted by the UK and focused on accessibility, modernisation, and payments,’ says Solorzano. its overseas territories, are the most speed and quality of service, the referred to and applied around the reduction of costs borne by users, and ‘There are many other actions that world, with the highest standards for the capture of new vessel registries, we can suggest to reduce the state a safe and proper operation of these among other objectives,’ says Solorzano. bureaucracy, which are summarised vessels. Those regulations entered into in changing our management model force January 1, 2019. The Panama Ship ‘These actions should be directed, for by measuring the effectiveness Registry is also working on the proper example, to an institutional restructuring, of the service. Vessel registration implementation of these regulations that strengthens our financial autonomy, should also be reinforced with more on yachts either operated for private incorporates valid market analysis specialised human resources and use only or commercial yachts. mechanisms, pursues institutional ensure their continuous training.’ profitability and consular operations, The Panama Maritime Authority re-structures rates and taxes for services, ‘We must encourage the creation of presented to Panama’s maritime fixes for each promoter of the registry alliances and associations of shipowners community in May 2019 a marketing budget goals and accountability,’ he adds. and users in their multiple specialties study on the ship registry aiming at (Modus, cruises, yachts, fishing, etc.).’ looking at Panama’s competitors and ‘On the other hand, it is necessary what to do to improve the Registry to review the competences of the ‘And implement a plan to promote tonnage which has slightly slowed management units of the Maritime financial operations, including banking down in the past two years. Administration, so that the Merchant and financial centres, with active Marine Department registers and participation in renowned shipping The study tackles an excessive red tape regulates all the technical aspects of the fairs, forums and maritime exhibitions, and costs since most of the registrations fleet; and that the seafarers department always keeping in touch with our users.’ of vessels are made through consulates. focuses on providing documentation It calls for a redefinition of the Register of seafarers and supervise the training ‘The management of business and advocates considering changing centres; that we assess whether all intelligence is the key. Without the present model to a new state- controls on international fishing vessels neglecting bilateral relations with owned entity, independent, in some can be reincorporated into the Panama other states and blocks of States, way similar to corporate-government Maritime Administration, including achieving agreements on merchant institutions. The idea is not new. monitoring, inspection, supervision, marine, seafarers’ documentation and licensing, sanctions and reporting.’ competitiveness, to ensure our country ‘The study is a good basis for adopting the application of preferential rates, changes in the service infrastructure. ‘We must also unify the databases of free access to markets, treatment of However, it is necessary to incorporate the Public Registry and the Merchant the most favoured nation, co-operation actions that must be adopted, which must Marine Department, establishing defined and reciprocity,’ he concludes. •
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Colon Container Terminal (CCT)
Expansion of the Canal has led to ports updating facilities for Neopanamax Throughput boost?
he expansion of the Panama Colon Container Terminal) had the become the main connection between Canal did not bring more highest throughput of all container China and Central America. transhipment, as many gateways in Latin America and the thoughts originally. The Caribbean for 2018, according to figures Panama Pacific’s Port of Balboa saw its TNeopanamax vessels of up to 14,000teu/ released by the United Nations. Colon throughput drop by 15.6% in 2018, but it 15,000teu which can now transit the saw throughput of 4.3m teu in 2018, still came in amongst the top five ports waterway not only stop in Panama, representing more than 11% of the total in Latin America and the Caribbean but continue their voyage to their final of 37.9m teu for the region’s top 20 for 2018, according to figures released destination in Latin American ports that gateways, and Panama Pacific (Balboa by ECLAC. Balboa saw throughput have also expanded and dredged their and PSA) with 2.5m teu, down 15.6%, of 2,520,587teu in 2018, down 15.6% facilities, therefore not adding more according to figures published by the from its total in 2017 of 2,986,617teu. transhipment to Panamanian ports. Most UN’s Economic Commission for Latin of the shipping lines have consequently America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). Balboa was named the region's fifth- concentrated and reshuffled services. highest performer by throughput in 2018, The figures are based on the performance following Colon at 4.3m teu, up 11.13%; In 2018, Panamanian ports cargo of a sampling of 31 countries and 118 ports altogether, the region’s top 10 ports saw volumes showed slight growth of 1.7% and port areas in the region, ECLAC said. throughput of 26.3m teu, while the next to 7,014,410teu with container terminals 10 had a total of 11.6m teu for a total of posting all, a double digit increase, Colon could see a further boost in nearly 38m teu in the top 20 ports. except for Panama Ports. However, in throughput this year from China. the first half of 2019 cargo volumes Late in 2017, as China's President Xi Despite the downturn in 2018, grew 0.6% to 3,340,507teu compared Jinping visited the country, Chinese Fitch Solutions forecast growth in to 3,313,805teu the year before, officials said their country would give throughput for the Port of Balboa reflecting the economic slowdown. the Panama Canal more importance in over the coming four years. Fitch its trade due to its strategic location. estimated throughput of 3,227,238teu Colon is listed as 38th amongst the for 2019, rising to 3,674,702 for 2022. world’s top 100 ports with 4,324,478teu in China officials said China is the 2018, up 11.1% from 3,891,219teu in 2017. second-largest user of the canal (at Every terminal registered growth in the time) and is the main supplier 2018 – two of them MIT and CCT Colon port complex (Manzanillo to Colon's Free Trade Zone. As a with double digit – with only Balboa International Terminal, Cristobal and result, they said, Panama could with cargo volume decreasing by
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Panama Ports Company (PPC)
The formation of new alliances between the shipping lines, following the expansion of the Panama Canal and transit of Neopanamax through the new locks of Cocoli and Aguas Claras, have put pressure on transhipment as Neopanamax vessels can go to their final destination without unloading cargo in intermediary terminals as most of Latin American ports have also expanded and dredged their facilities. Panama has not been exempted of those re-routing services. During the first half of 2019, volumes have shown a slight increase of 0.6% to 3.34m teu compared to 3.32m teu a year ago.
At Panama Ports Co (PPC) a subsidiary of Hutchison Ports Holdings, that administers the ports of Balboa on the Pacific side and Cristobal, on the Atlantic, cargo volumes have In its constant effort to consolidate strategies that improve decreased as some services are calling the recently opened and the local economy through world maritime trade, Panama expanded terminal that faces Balboa. Ports is making efforts to position Panama as the best logistics hub of Latin America and has been able to demonstrate Cristobal which had, in 2018, still benefitted, like in 2016 and its transhipment capacity through the trust placed in its 2017, from cargo volumes that were unable to reach Bahamas’ commercial allies, receiving new cargo transhipment services Freeport heavily damaged by hurricane Mathew in 2016, in Panama. Starting the second half of 2019, Balboa receives has returned to its normal activity and therefore seen also the new ‘CLX’ service that consolidates Maersk's cargo with a fall in volumes compared to 2018. During the first half of Hamburg Sud. 2019, Cristobal moved 472,240teu while Balboa, which is the terminal with larger capacity in Panama, handled 892,119 teu. This new service will provide the South America West Coast route with northern Europe, direct coverage between Chile, Panamanian ports are strategically located at both ends of Peru and Colombia, with Northern Europe (Germany, UK, the Panama Canal and offer benefits no other ports can, and The Netherlands and Belgium), including a stop in Panama for for Panama Ports, being located on both the Atlantic and transhipment. This new service is operated with ships of 1,400 the Pacific sides is an advantage. In recent years, PPC has reefer plugs on board, adapted to the needs of the route. The invested more than $1.4bn to improve is facilities in Balboa first departure was made at the beginning of June on the ship and Cristobal. ‘Luna Maersk’ that left Chile towards northern Europe.
29.3% because of the expanded PSA- increase of 646.5% to 608,906teu up, between Chile, Peru and Colombia, with Panama, on the Pacific side facing from 81,568teu a year ago. 2.91m teu. Northern Europe (Germany, UK, The Balboa, which began operation of its Netherlands and Belgium) including a 2m teu-expanded terminal in March. During the first six months of 2019, stop in Panama for transhipment. This cargo volume was slightly up by 0.6%, new service is operated with ships of On the Atlantic side, Evergreen’s Colon affected again by strong declines 1,400 reefer plugs on board, adapted Container Terminal (CCT) posted in Balboa and Cristobal: Cristobal to the needs of the route. The first growth in 2018, of 16.4% with 816,378teu, because normalcy returned to Bahamas’ departure was made at the beginning while SSA’s Manzanillo International Freeport and the Caribbean terminals of June on the ship ‘Luna Maersk’ that Terminal (MIT) increased volume by and Balboa because some Neopanamax left Chile towards northern Europe. 18.5% to 2,225,055teu, returning to the services moved to PSA-Panama and 2m teu mark. Cristobal, administrated the Hutchison’s Pacific terminal Colon Container Terminal (CCT) by Hutchison’s Panama Ports, saw a suffered a 12-day strike that perturbed posted a small growth of 1.6% to decline of 2.2% to 1.282,736teu as it still loading and unloading containers. 366,253teu. ‘Several services returned benefited from transhipment from to CCT last year and continue to call the Caribbean in the wake of various Cristobal volumes fell by 22.8% to the Atlantic terminal, but we lost the hurricanes that damaged the islands. 472,240teu and Balboa saw again PWS in February; since then we’ve volumes dropping by 23.4% to 892,119teu. made up for much of that lost volume On the Pacific side, cargo volumes at However, starting the second half of 2019, through customer realignments Balboa, also administrated by Hutchison’s Balboa receives the new ‘CLX’ service as well as customers repositioning Panama Ports fell by 29.3% to 2.225,055teu that consolidates Maersk's cargo with more equipment through Panama,’ because some services that used to call Hamburg Sud. CLX service will provide commented CCT president Stephen the terminal moved to the recently the South America West Coast route Shaffer. ‘For the rest of the year we may opened PSA-Panama that registered with northern Europe, direct coverage end up a little below the 2018 mark.’
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Manzanillo International Terminal (MIT) down, as many of the major projects With an increase of South American moved 1,117,849teu, up 7.2%. ‘Due to new have been completed, ‘we do expect this exports, principally in reefers, ‘the network and services configurations we cargo will increase for the 4th bridge YTD reefer moves (January through expect 2019 to close with around 2.5m teu, project and others in the future,’ he July) for both 2018 and 2019 were 14% a 15% increase from 2018 total volumes,’ said. According to government officials, of the overall moves, although we do said MIT general manager Stacy Hatfield. the construction of the 4th bridge over expect a slight increase in 2019 for the Although the Project Cargo is currently the canal should begin by year-end. remainder of the year. Maersk Line,
PSA-Panama
The second phase of PSA Panama of MSC, ONE and Hapag Lloyd,’ Cassinelli explained. which doubled its capacity to 2m teu was inaugurated April 2, 2018, with With the 2020 sulphur cap entering force January 1, 2020, the arrival of 13,100-teu MSC Renee, there is some concern whether the measure will have any effect leading the terminal to close 2018 with on global volumes. ‘The 2020 IMO regulation will certainly 608,906teu, up 646.5% compared to have an impact on volumes. Transhipment may become again as the same period a year ago. During relevant as it was in the past and we are ready to play the pivotal nearly three years PSA Panama volumes role that shipping lines will be looking for in case of need.’ had been declining because of the Alessandro Cassinelli construction of the expansion and seeing Another subject of worry is the US-China trade war which has growth of triple digit was extremely comforting and promising. resulted in high tariffs on Chinese products and ‘US import will be impacted by the increase on duties making Panama suffer The first seven months of 2019 saw volumes increased again from this, by seeing lower transhipment,’ he forecasts. by triple digit for the period January-July to 550,000teu. ‘Our forecast for the whole 2019 is just slightly below the 1m teu ‘Panama has still a lot of potential to be unveiled. We are in the mark, maybe 950,000teu year-to-year. And in 2020, though it middle of the Americas and we can all play a much bigger role is early to say, we definitely count on passing the 1m teu mark,’ than today. said PSA-Panama general manager Alessandro Cassinelli. If we want to think of ourselves as a hub we need to play big. ‘Although Panama remains a strategic hub in a strategic Neighbouring countries need to be our market reach, perhaps location, uncontrolled and long-lasting actions such as the one using the combination air/sea to offer a combined product? Air- suffered by PPC [a twelve-day strike at the balboa terminal] freighting sensitive cargo into Panama, stuffing and shipping it are damaging the country’s perception abroad. Competition could be our next frontier,’ observed Cassinelli. of neighbouring countries is already fierce when it comes to service level and reliability and certainly what just happened ‘On the other hand, we have many multinational companies was a ‘own score’ that puts all of us one step behind where we having Regional Headquarters offices in Panama. By increasing were just before,’ he commented. and making more reliable our technology and work stability, we might be able to create the local cargo that today we do During Balboa slowdown, some vessels could not unload cargo not have. Although Panama does not have big production/ and ‘yes it did [bring additional cargo] although it was marginal. consumption, the country can develop other means to become We have helped some shipping lines not to take the decision of relevant in terms of import/export.’ diverting their ships and cargo to other countries and ensured that the containers were operated in Panama.’ ‘We still have our PanaHub 2.0 project with the Logistic Cabinet to be fully developed and all of these ideas need to be ‘After our ‘go-live’ in June 2018, we are handling 14 weekly calls discussed,’ Cassinelli said.
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Colon Container Terminal (CCT)
Evergreen’s Colon Container Terminal (CCT), located on the Atlantic side, has posted growth of 16.4% in 2018 to 816,373teu and reached 366,253teu during the first six months of 2019, up 1.6% compared to the same period a year ago.
‘Several services returned to CCT last year and continue to call the Atlantic terminal, but we lost the PWS in February; since then we’ve made up for much of that lost volume through customer realignments as well as customers repositioning more equipment through Panama,’ commented CCT president Stephen Shaffer. ‘For the rest of the year we may end up a little below the 2018 mark.’ south trade lanes positions it as well as anyone in the region. But ‘several major economic regions are on the verge of Lately, some reconfigurations across a number of carriers have recession. A broad-based slowdown is resulting in lower growth resulted in some incremental volume landing in Panama. This in China, Europe, as well as in Latin America. The US is not far is to say that growth for Panama’s ports this year may well behind. The global macro picture isn’t good,’ said Shaffer. be driven by shifts in market share among regional ports as lines move to take advantage of wherever growth is occurring, ‘At the beginning of the year I saw little cause for effusive and aligning their fleets to optimise capacity around that new optimism despite the final 2018 macroeconomic data coming growth pattern.’ out of many markets. My concerns were, and remain, the nature of the growth, i.e., its underlying drivers, and how ‘Where I think Panama can continue to derive growth is much gas is still in the tank of each major economic region. through the further development of the logistics market. Many Add to that the non-cyclical factors such as trade wars, and existing users of Colon Free Zone and Panama Pacifico are the pressure on those underlying cyclical growth drivers only actually looking to expand in Panama. The drivers of their amplifies the fragility of underlying growth.’ growth are both regional demographics (purchasing power, age demographics), increasing penetration of digital/e-commerce ‘For the [Panamanian] ports on aggregate, demand has held up platforms, supply chain optimisation-driven (JIT, last-mile relatively well despite the global slowdown. Early indications customisation), as well as a flight to safety, from the potential from the new government is that it is ‘laser-like focused’ effects of the Trump-China trade tensions which could affect on converting ideas and concepts of the ‘logistics hub’ into other distribution locations used by the same companies,’ concrete and tangible policies and initiatives that draw more commented the CCT president. international manufacturers, retailers, and their logistics operators to Panama. So, at the moment I am optimistic and ‘While those companies engaging in these kinds of regional encouraged by the new government’s approach to the sector distribution expansion projects may not represent the thus far,’ Shaffer added. majority of port volumes today, it is that kind of volume that can underpin and moderate the effects of regional economic ‘The location of Panama at the nexus of east-west and north- headwinds.’
including Hamburg Sud and Sealand, Hapag Lloyd, Sealand and Hamburg Sud. operated in Panama,’ Cassinelli said. have the main share of reefer moves ‘After our ‘go-live’ in June 2018, we are year to date 2019, with the principal handling 14 weekly calls of MSC, ONE Panamanian ports is a sector that destinations being Europe and the US and Hapag Lloyd,’ Cassinelli explained. has received large investments which for reefer exports from the west coast surpassed the $3.5bn-$4bn bringing total of South America,’ Hatfield said. ‘Although Panama remains a strategic capacity to 14m teu, without counting hub in a strategic location, uncontrolled the future $1.1bn-2.5m-teu-box terminal PSA-Panama posted a substantial and long-lasting actions such as the one in construction on the Atlantic side in increase of 255.8% to 456,148teu. ‘Our suffered by PPC (a twelve-day strike at Margarita Island, next to CCT, by the forecast for the whole 2019 is just the Balboa terminal) are damaging the Chinese consortium Landbridge Group slightly below the 1m teu mark, maybe country’s perception abroad. During and its partners. The box terminal 950,000teu year-to-year. And in 2020, Balboa slowdown, some vessels could consists of three berths totalling 1.2km though it is early to say, we definitely not unload cargo and ‘yes it did [bring with a draught of 18 metres, which is count on passing the 1m teu mark,’ said additional cargo] although it was being built by China’s CCCC Group PSA-Panama general manager Alessandro marginal. We have helped some shipping and the design of the piers by Beijing- Cassinelli. In addition to MSC own lines not to take the decision of diverting based Port Design Institute (PDI). Two services, PSA Panama also handles their ships and cargo to other countries of the three berths will have capacity to vessels from MSC’s partners: ONE, and ensured that the containers were receive Super-Neopanamax vessels and
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the third berth for Neopanamax and Balboa. The 50 investment into civil works amounted multipurpose ships. PCCP has a 20-year- hectare-expansion to $285m while the value of equipment concession renewable for 27 hectares of PPC facilities was over $125m. In addition to the eight where the terminal and container yard in Balboa has Quay Cranes, the terminal features will be built. Construction works have included extending 12 Rail Mounted Gantry Cranes slowed down recently leaving in doubt the container yard (RMGs), nine Rubber Tyred Gantry they could conclude by end-2020. to 63 hectares Cranes (RTGs), 52 Prime Movers and and Balboa piers three Empty Container Handlers. Cristobal was revamped with 13 STS to 1,900mtr of Stacy Hatfield, MIT cranes 47 RTGs as part of its expansion quays with 27 On the passenger shipping front, the that doubled its capacity to 2m teu. STS cranes, the biggest carnage in consortium Cruceros del Pacifico, formed MIT has completed the first phase of Latin America. PSA-Panama expansion by Belgium’s Jan de Nul and Beijing- its expansion plan, with an increase increased from 450.000teu to 2.5m teu based China Harbour Engineering Co, in capacity to 3.5m teu. Panama Ports per year. The new terminal has 11 quay was awarded a $165.7m contract by Company (PPC) has invested over $1.5bn cranes with a maximum outreach of the AMP to design, develop and build to increase capacity in Cristobal and 24 rows and over 1.1km of berth. The the Amador Cruise Terminal at the
Manzanillo International Terminal (MIT)
The first container terminal to be inaugurated in Panama was Manzanillo International Terminal (MIT-Panama) in 1995. Located on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal, Manzanillo International Terminal (MIT), a joint venture between Seattle- based SSA Marine and a group of local investors, will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2020, a milestone for port activity in Latin America. MIT, with a capacity of 3.5m teus, became the first terminal in Latin America to introduce Automatic Stacking Cranes to support yard operations and is renowned as model of efficiency.
MIT closed 2018 with a record 18.5% growth to 2,225,055teu, up from a 2.6% increase in 2017 compared to 2016. The increase was the result of new services connecting the Americas, Caribbean, Europe and Asia regions, said MIT general manager Stacy Hatfield. A recent partial strike in one of Panama’s terminals was For the period January-July2019, ‘we finished with 1.368m disruptive to the general port environment in August. ‘The last teu, up 9.8% compared to the first seven months of 2018,’ said time the Pacific side suffered from a labor strike (almost two Hatfield. ‘Due to new network and services configurations we weeks), there were negative consequences to container volume expect 2019 to close with around 2.5m teu, a 15% increase from growth. We hope all stakeholders realize the susceptibility of 2018 total volumes.’ transshipment volumes to service disruptions. Panama needs to continue offering consistent, reliable marine terminal services Although the Project Cargo is currently down, as many of to protect the jobs in the sector and create new opportunities,’ the major projects have been completed, ‘we do expect this commented Hatfield. cargo will increase for the 4th bridge project and others in the future,’ said Hatfield. According to government officials, the Only six months remain to implement the so-called ‘2020 construction of the 4th bridge over the canal should begin by sulphur cap’ but is not expected to be disruptive by the port year-end. operators. ‘Aside from some operational cases of vessels’ phase- in/out to have scrubbers installed, we don’t foresee any major With an increase of South American exports, principally in impact from the new sulphur mandates. Around 8% of vessels reefers, ‘the YTD reefer moves (January through July) for both calling MIT take bunkers while alongside,’ he explains. 2018 and 2019 were 14% of the overall moves, although we do expect a slight increase in 2019 for the remainder of the year. Even if the US-China trade war continues to make headlines, ‘we don’t see a direct correlation of high tariffs in the US and Maersk Line, including Hamburg Sud and Sealand, have the cargo volumes in Panama. However, the resulting economic main share of reefer moves year to date 2019, with the principal uncertainty does affect investment and consumer confidence, destinations being Europe and the US for reefer exports from which ultimately could have an effect on economic performance the west coast of South America. and cargo volumes.’
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PSA-Panama
Panama Canal’s Pacific entrance. The pressure. On the short term, the world for sure) which could result in downward terminal, with a draught of 10.5mtr, and regional trends do not point to a pressure on the prices of imported goods.’ will have capacity to accommodate two ‘recovery’ (for an economy that relays cruise ships of 360mtr in length, with a more than 75% on service sector). For the ‘For the ports on aggregate, demand has capacity of 5,000 passengers per vessel long- term, structural economic reforms held up relatively well despite the global and is expected to be inaugurated in are needed,’ commented MIT gm Stacy slowdown. Early indications from the 2020. An international tender will be Hatfield. While many economists point new government is that it is laser-like called for the administration of the at an imminent recession, ‘if we were to focused on convert ideas and concepts cruise port, since the AMP wants the compare same services (not taking into of the ‘logistics hub’ into concrete and terminal opened to every cruise line. consideration new ones that have resulted tangible policies and initiatives that from network changes), we would see draw more international manufacturers, The US-China trade war and some slow a reduction in container volumes… retailers, and their logistics operators down of Panama’s economy during the a likely indicator of low regional to Panama. So, at the moment I am past twelve months ad worried ports economic performance,’ he added. optimistic and encouraged by the operators, but since there was a change new government’s approach to the of government and a new president About the impending trade war, ‘the sector thus far,’ commented Shaffer. Laurentino Corizo sworn-in July 1, back and forth between Washington and most are optimistic about the near other markets is certainly not causing ‘For the existing base of cargo pasting future. ‘The government of Cortizo anyone to raise growth projections. If through the region, the location of is formed by very good professionals anything, the opposite. There is a great Panama at the nexus of east-west and that understand the importance of the deal of interconnectedness between the north-south trade lanes, positions it as maritime sector as well as the role that economies in question, and the ripple well as anyone to do not worse than Panama plays in the shipping industry,’ effects of these battles is certainly having anyone else in the region. Lately some said PSA-Panama’s Cassinelli. ‘We indeed a dampening effect on global growth,’ reconfigurations across a number of see no growth when we explore the CCT president Stephen Shaffer explained. carriers has resulted in some incremental months to come with our client which volume landing in Panama. This is to tells us there is a general slowdown ‘For Panama, whether it comes from say that growth for Panama’s ports is and uncertainty for the future.’ China or Vietnam or Malaysia, it will still presently driven by shifts in market share arrive at one of five ports and the port among regional ports stemming from ‘There are many theories about Panama’s that has the carrier/service combination lines moving rapidly to take advantage economic performance – high, by connecting manufacturers and buyers will of wherever growth is occurring regional standards, but not strong (or benefit most. On aggregate, I would not and aligning their fleets to optimise deep) enough to be felt by the ordinary expect the tariff battle to increase prices capacity around that growth pattern.’ Panamanian. On the other hand, years of goods for Panama. Since Panama is not of above-average (and unsustainable) a party to the trade battle taking place, if ‘Where I think Panama can continue economic growth aggravated national anything, producer markets could have a to derive growth is through the further debt levels and brought inflationary surplus of products (or surplus of capacity development of the logistics market. Many
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existing users income locally and spending it locally. being utilised in Panama, but some form of Colon Free The money spent on that project of impact model, (even a cost-benefit Trade Zone are undoubtedly had a significant multiplier model) would be probably be worth actually looking to effect on the economy in the sense that considering to ensure that new projects expand in Panama. for each dollar spent on the project, have greater short-term impact,’ he said. The drivers of a good portion of that money cycled their growth are through the local economy more than ‘For the mid-term, the emphasis will both regional once,’ believes the CCT president Shaffer. need to be on making Panama even demographics more competitive for logistics activities Stephen Shaffer, CCT (purchasing power, ‘During the past couple of years, it – in terms of aligning a whole array of age demographics), increasing penetration has been difficult to tell that there are policies to match the national strategy of of digital/ecommerce platforms, supply any significant public works projects being the regional logistics hub. Policies chain optimisation-driven (JIT, last-mile underway because you don’t see the such as immigration, labour, education, customisation), as well as a flight to spending the way you saw it before. That and taxation just to name a few. These safety (from the potential effects of the tells me that much of the money being are things that places like Singapore Trump-China trade tensions which could spent isn’t staying local and rather it is have done very effectively. Every part affect other distribution locations used trapped somewhere or going offshore. of government must have policies by the same companies). While those The result of that situation is that your consistent with the national objective.’ companies engaging in these kinds of multiplier effect could be less-than 1.0x.’ regional distribution expansion projects There is no sense is trying to reinvent may not represent the majority of port ‘From a public policy perspective, the wheel by insisting on doing it volumes today, it is that kind of volume policy makers should aim not only to all oneself. That is extremely time that can underpin and moderate the get subways and bridges built for the consuming and one will likely repeat effects of regional economic headwinds.’ best value, but their calculus of ‘value’ all the mistakes made by those should also consider which option would who have tried elsewhere. So why ‘In the short-term, the tool that is give the economy the biggest bang for not tap into the global talent pool probably most readily available to the buck? And that would apply both and draw individuals, education the government is to re-evaluate the during the construction phase as well institutions, research institutions, and manner in which it selects contractors as post-construction. For many decades manufacturers to Panama and try to who bid on public works projects policy makers have looked toward things keep them here (and their brains) like subways, bridges, roads, etc.’ like Leontief input-output models to for the long-term? Since Panama is attempt to compare the different project primarily dependent upon services for ‘It wasn’t so long ago that during the alternatives from a tax revenue, income, its economic output, it means it will expansion of the Canal that economic and consumption perspective. The depend on its skill sets and brains activity was at a fever pitch. Now, models were not perfect and could be for growth and success. So, bringing one has to factor in the effects of the abused by some politicians, but they were in others who can help develop new commodity bubble the led to a great nevertheless one approach to figuring services, new products, new anything, deal of investment from neighbouring out whether you had a better bang would all be steps consistent with economies, but nevertheless there were for buck than an alternative. I haven’t diversifying and making the economy foreigners and locals alike earning heard of that or any other methodology more resilient,’ Shaffer estimates.•
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Monjasa tanker
Slowing of world trade leading to falling volumes in key bunkering ports Pressured market
anama marine fuel sales side registered an unprecedented fall until July 2019 the volume has declined were hit in 2018 by the ‘bad of 16.72% to 538,206mt compared to by approximately 8% to 9% year-to- bunkers’ problem that started an increase of 19.72% to 646,813mt date, and it should be noted that this in the US Gulf region leading during the first half of 2018. includes volumes that have moved Pto a 1.8% drop in sales. Bunker sales from Fujairah to Singapore due to fell by to 4.55m metric tonnes (mt) ‘It would seem that there is some overall the issues in the region – suppliers in compared to the record 4.63m mt the slowing of world trade, leading to falling Fujairah are reporting anecdotally falls year before which registered growth volumes in the key bunkering ports. of up to 30% in the second quarter,’ he of 15.61%. Sales on the Pacific side Among the causes are of course the added. ‘We see a reduction amongst all decreased by 5.59% to 3.38m mt while ongoing US-China trade war, and the sectors, but the recent strikes in the they increased by 11.22% to 1.16m mt on troubles in the Middle East which have local container ports will certainly have the Atlantic side, where bunkering had affected the tanker sector in particular; an oversize effect in July and August been on the rise for the past two years. and the bunker ports in the region due to the re-routing of vessels.’ dramatically,’ said the director of a The first half of 2019 (January-June) Panamanian leading bunker company. It ‘During Q1, 2019, cargo availability registered an even stronger decent of is no longer the ‘bad bunkers problem’ was very limited at the Atlantic side 8.98% with total sales at 2.283m mt as ‘it seems we have successfully turned as a well-established cargo supplier compared to 2.508m mt for the same the page on the episodes of last year.’ left the Panama market resulting in a period a year ago. Sales on the Pacific lack of supply for the first few months. side fell by 6.27% to 1,744,666mt down ‘If we look at Singapore as the world’s Finally, we have also seen other ports, from 1.861,404mt while the Atlantic principal bunkering port, we see that in South America especially, starting to compete with Panama price-wise on a AES LNG terminal in Colon sporadic basis,’ said managing director Monjasa Americas, Rasmus Jacobsen.
Currently, the greatest constraint in Panama is the physical restriction around the anchorage area of the Atlantic side of Panama, the only area where vessels can bunker today. The Neopanamax vessels seldom take bunkers on the Atlantic side because they mostly go directly from the anchorage outside the breakwater to the locks to transit. There is no waiting time before transiting the waterway.
‘We do not believe that the [sales] decrease is the consequence of more
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Balboa Oil Tanks Decal
Neopanamaxes transiting. However, we look clearer,’ said the director of a surrounding industry services,’ he added. do believe the market could increase Panamanian leading bunker company. significantly at the Atlantic side if Panama is starting to prepare for 2020 Neopanamaxes had time to bunker prior The 2020 sulphur cap that enters into by physical suppliers adjusting their transit. The Atlantic side, Cristobal/ force on January 1, 2020 has already fleets as well as cargo players positioning Colon, only counts for around 25% of enticed suppliers to change their themselves to import VLSFO as well the total volume in Panama. This is not orientation and even configuration of as increased imports of MGO. There because it is much more expensive to the vessels providing fuels to vessels. is a limitation to terminal availability, arrange bunkers in Cristobal compared to especially in Balboa, so different players Balboa, but rather a natural limitation on The production locations have also are making moves to secure storage space at the anchorage where bunkers can changed. The Atlantic side of Panama of their products. Furthermore, local be delivered within the breakwater. The ‘will be a strategic point to import maritime authorities are working on how Neopanamaxes are simply not allowed materials from South America, to ensure compliance with the new IMO to drop anchor and receive bunkers Caribbean and North America to supply regulations for all vessels transiting the prior transiting as there is not enough the new IMO 2020 specs. Panama canal, commented Rasmus Jacobsen. space available,’ estimated Jacobsen. Atlantic has a geographical advantage for these production locations to ‘We are expecting a significant increase And in spite of the 1.8% fall in sales in supply, compared to competing short in MGO demand and a very limited 2018 and the ‘bad bunkers’ problem’ markets such as the Middle East demand for HSFO. We expect to see Monjasa ‘experienced a 31% growth and Singapore, and possibly Europe. a significant pressure on the logistics in total supply volume to 850,000mt The opposite might become true for in the market during Q4 where most across the Americas,’ he said. ‘We are the Pacific side of Panama, which is operators will start cleaning their seeing a continuing growing demand for currently located favourably to receive bunker barges and get ready to supply our services this year and our decision high sulphur materials from production compliant products. Certainly, suppliers to introduce the largest and most areas located close by such as Mexico, who are able to segregate several modern tanker, MT Accra (8,900dwt), Ecuador and Peru. Very Low Sulphur products onboard their barges will to the market benefits both the quality materials are not produced in excess on benefit from extended logistical flexibility and the flexibility we can offer’. the Pacific side which could result in come 2020,’ Jacobsen estimated. price pressure for the VLSFO market The global situation has already had on the Pacific,’ commented a bunker The leading bunker company director some impact on local bunker companies. trader who declined to be named. said his company has ‘already begun ‘We are very much in holding pattern to re-configure vessels for increased waiting to see what the demand will ‘The change in trade flows post-2020 quantities of MGO, and also some be in 2020, and how we may need to is unavoidable but represents a great to potentially carry three grades adapt to our client’s needs. No changes opportunity for the development of the of fuel (HSFO/VLSFO/MGO). We for now until the market trends Panamanian bunkering market and understand that the other major barging
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Telfer Tanks
companies are also doing the same, no utility in the bunker market, and it to produce some type of VLSFO. and the terminals some cleaning and remains to be seen where this product However, there will be a big difference preparations to handle more grades.’ will ultimately go. So, we may well see between the characteristics of each fuel, higher general level of availability of it said. Some will be direct refining ‘The whole supply panorama for Panama VLSFO and MGO in Cristobal due to products, while others will be refined will be turned on its head. Panama imports from the US Gulf refineries, and mixed from a variety of origins. has traditionally always been ‘long’ with some of these products also been fuel oil, with generally greater supply transited to Balboa via the Canal, and The result is that there will be significant than demand at most times of the year maybe some new, more distant, supply differences between fuels in terms of particularly in Balboa, on the Pacific sources for Balboa,’ said Jacobsen. viscosity, density and stability. And side, with cargoes coming from Ecuador, that is of concern to the shipowners Mexico and Peru, in addition to finished According to Alphatanker, almost all who have suggested that these three grade RMG 380 from Houston. However, refineries with a coastal facility or characteristics are the most important now the fuel oil cargoes from West Coast with good transport connections to aspects when choosing which fuel Latin America’s refineries will have the ports, announced their intention meets the requirements to operate
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and use LNG bunker here,’ said the director of the bunker company.
‘So far, we have not been met with LNG inquiries. We have, however, seen an increase in inquiries from LNG carriers,’ said Jacobsen. ‘In fact, LNG carriers are probably the fastest growing customer segment as the vast majority require Sire Vetted modern barges for bunkering and by operating the 2009 built, MT Accra, we are able to satisfy this demand.’
Some bunker traders believe that Panama should adopt some regulations similar to the CP60 (Code of practice for bunkering by bunker tankers). ‘I believe
Melones Tanks that standard for inspection should be adopted from OCIMF and oil majors to guarantee the safety performance of the after 2020. In fact, many shipowners Norte LNG Terminal in Colon, located barge operations,’ said the bunker trader. have told Alphatanker that they prefer near the Caribbean entrance to the direct refining VLSFOs, due to its Panama Canal. The import jetty is But for Rasmus Jacobsen, ‘Panama is better stability against mixed products. designed to receive LNG vessels from among the top bunker hubs globally, This type of VLSFO is expected to 30,000 to 180,000cu mtr. However, so it must indeed follow the standards be scarce in 2020, due to the lack of the terminal production is focused on and practices anticipated of such hubs. units to desulfurize fuel oil. At the local consumption and exports, it may Fortunately, bunkers and shipping in moment, only Exxon Mobil has stated play also a role in the future if LNG general are among the top industries that it will sell exactly the same grade powered-vessels begin to transit the in Panama enjoying a lot of focus of VLSFO worldwide (although only canal. Until now, only LNG-tankers and support from the government on in six locations), said Alphatanker. transit the waterway, which do not need improving and developing the trade. to top off fuel in Panama due to the fact As an example, current considerations The result of the improvement in they consume boil off from the LNG about introducing a maximum age of VLSFO's prospects is that Alphatanker cargoes during the voyage to the Far barges and tankers deployed in Panama significantly increased its projections of East. ‘We believe it is still somewhat in would future proof the industry and demand for this product. Assuming that the future until we see other types of sustain the near-future low-sulphur fuel the global bunker demand is around 4.1 vessels with the capability to receive transition in the Panama market.’ • mb/d in 2020, it is expected that 1.2 mb/d (29%) of this figure will be covered by LNG Terminal in Colon VLSFO. This revision is based on the fact that the VLSFO will be the preferred fuel for the largest and most thirsty tonnage.
If the VLSFO is sold at a very reduced price similar to the MGO (what is expected) it will become a fuel Attractive for units not equipped with scrubbers. Finally, looking beyond 2020, Alphatanker observes that the VLSFO is gradually gaining acceptance among shipowners, so that by 2022 it will represent 37% of total international bunker demand.
‘I believe that the first year will be of transformation but the market will find its way. We are believers of the supply trade flows shift,’ said the bunker trader.
LNG fuel has made its entrance to Panama by US-based AES, Costa
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New actions planned by newly elected president Increasing competitiveness
aritime and logistic Alejandro Rojas, announced some of the potential that Panama possesses as a development is one of projects that will be implemented, such global exchange node; All this, through the main assets that the as the creation of the Logistics Affairs the improvement of technological new President Laurentino Unit, under the Secretariat of Strategy processes and platforms that allow to MCortizo's government intends to boost for Development and Competitiveness be at the forefront of competitors. during his tenure to make Panama a of the Presidency of the Republic. logistics hub, to generate economic The registry of Multinational Companies income that provides sustainable and Through this unit, in this first stage, Headquarters (SEM) of Panama that extensible development to the country together with the private sector, priority covers 147 companies, faces the challenge and all Panamanians. He did not wait will be given to those high-impact of attracting new business organisations. to show it was not just a campaign projects that can be executed in the short Four SEMs have arrived so far in 2019: political promise. Three weeks after the term, including the development of the Steward Health Care System Llc., a government took office, a first meeting unified payment of the Single Window hospital operator from the US; Uber of the Logistics Cabinet Council (VUMPA) stands out, a project promoted International B.V., from the Netherlands; was called and presided by the Vice by the AMP and the ACP, and that in its General Electric Company in the US, President of the Republic, and Minister early stages of development, has already and Hilti of Liechtenstein that develops of the Presidency, José Gabriel Carrizo. had a significant impact saving more manufacturing, markets products and than 70,000 hours to ships, as well as the services for the construction sector. The objective of this cabinet, held at processing of some 600,000 applications, the PSA-Panama Port International which succeeded in reducing cost and In 2018, six new SEMs had been terminal, was to strengthen Panama's red tape with automating procedures and registered, three from China: China competitiveness and promote it as an increasing Panama’s competitiveness. Tiesiju Civil Engineering Group international centre for global trade. Co., Ltd. (construction); China The vice president referred to the need The implementation of the ‘National Railway International Group Co., of an inter-institutional coordination in Logistics Strategy 2030’ is part of the Ltd (construction); and Baoshan Iron which the entities involved, including plan of action of this logistics cabinet, as & Steel Co., Ltd (iron product and the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP), a roadmap that identifies and prioritises steel). While from Japan came the work together. During the cabinet economic activities and possible business automaker Isuzu Motors Limited; JCB meeting the Minister counsellor for the diversifications that will improve the use (heavy equipment) from UK; and Puma facilitation of private Investment, José of Panama's advantages and exploit the Energy Group (oil) from Singapore.
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Panama received $5,548.5m in of Law 41 of August 24, 2007, the SEM expenses of the multinational company 2018 in Foreign Direct Investment regime has proven to be successful. in Panama, in both cases appropriate (FDI), the highest amount since to the nature of the business. 2011, a 21.4% growth compared to Through Law 57 of 2018, Law 41 2.0 They will automatically enjoy the the $4,569m registered in 2017. of 2007 that creates the Special Legal Stability of Investments regime Regime for the establishment 3.0 They will pay income tax at a Through Provinvex, the Agency for and operation of Headquarters of rate of 5% on the net taxable income the promotion of investments and Multinational Companies and the applicable to the services provided; exports which was part of the Ministry Commission of Headquarters of 4.0 They may deduct the expenses incurred of Commerce and Industries (Mici) Multinational Companies, and dictates in labour remuneration even when the and which will be transferred to the other provisions, is amended. employee is exempt from Income Tax; Ministry of Foreign Affairs said President 5.0 A regime is established for the Cortizo, the country promoted the so- With this new Law, financial assistance application of tax credits where called ‘Great Connection’ locally and services that SEM companies can provide the SEM will pay a minimum of internationally to attract more SEM and to companies of the same business 2% of the net taxable income. FDI. Proinvex held in 2018 the ‘Panama group, including technical, financial and/ 6.0 Permanent Residence for the Invest’ conference in New York (US), or administrative assistance as well as foreigner who works in a SEM, Lisbon (Portugal), Santiago (Chile), other support services such as financial under certain conditions. Hamburg (Germany), Lima (Peru), Sao management services, risk analysis, Paulo (Brazil), Madrid (Spain), Dubai due diligence, compliance, custody and The SEM license may be cancelled if it (UAE), Holland (The Netherlands), filing of documentation, the centre is verified that it carries out activities London (UK) and Tel Aviv (Israel). for processing data and/or documents different from those authorised by its and corporate treasury services, are licence, with imposition of penalties. The investment of 147 SEM in the expanded as well as loans between country exceeds $1bn according to related companies of the business group. A term is granted until June 30, 2021, so the ministry of trade’s figures and that companies that hold a Multinational generates more than 6,000 jobs. SEM It is added that in the event that some Company Headquarters Licence have companies represent an important of the aforementioned services are implemented the changes established source of transfer of knowledge, mainly provided to entities that carry out the in article 12 of Law 41 of 2007). in terms of technology and innovation, banking, insurance, reinsurance and/or which adds a competitive advantage securities business in Panama or abroad, The Panama Canal expansion, inaugurated to the country, as well as qualified the company must previously notify the in July 2016, has benefitted also the workforce. It permeates different areas corresponding regulatory entity of its logistics sector since the shipping lines of the economy and in turn generates intention to obtain a SEM Licence. have revised their services and/or created indirect jobs due to the contracting of new services for the big Neopanamax many types of services at the banking, Law 57 of 2018, states emphatically vessels that bring the double of containers logistics, transportation and real estate that unless the expressly provided and generating more opportunities level, as well as professional in law firms, exceptions under the Law, SEM for US and foreign companies. architects, accounting, amongst others, companies may only provide services to companies of their business group. Demostenes Perez, a supply chain The legislation that regulates the SEM business developer and strategist who registry was updated in 2018, and is It is added as part of the founded Logistics Services Panama, a found in Law 66 of December 13, 2018 characteristics of a SEM licence: company that provides warehousing, (Official Digital Gazette No. 28675-B 1. 0 Maintain a minimum of full-time order fulfilment and value-added services of December 13, 2018); the execution employees and annual operating in the Colon Free Zone, says that the
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increase in Neopanamaxes transits using The advantages of having a Master Client’, which seeks to reduce energy the all-water route from Asia to the East Plan prove that Panama Pacifico is seen costs for all clients through agreements Coast has brought new options for his globally as an area of economic and social with providers of photovoltaic generation customers to use inventory in Panama's development, inspired by complete and panels. In addition, in residential areas, logistics facilities to ship product to sustainable urbanism. The recognition innovative technologies such as smart the US east coast. While the free trade likewise ratifies that it is a unique homes have been incorporated. agreements that Panama has signed platform for creative opportunities, with several countries have helped to growth, and the well-being of people, fDi Intelligence also ranked Panama increase exports and diversify markets, companies and institutions that are there. Pacifico as sixth in the Best Global the Canal expansion impact is seen in Free Zone, and it also granted it the the number of small logistics companies The project also has a team dedicated following accolades: ‘Best Free Zone for that have been created recently. to creating and developing cultural, Large Tenants in the Americas,’ ‘Best sporting and recreational activities for Free Zone for Expansions,’ and ‘Best The increase in the size of the ships everyone, whose objective is to support Free Zone for Oneconnectivity.’ Each is requiring third-party logistics (3PL) people's well-being and quality of life. of these awards extends to important companies to adjust, John Knohr, allies in the private industrial sector managing director for DHL Global For the second time, the Financial Times that believe in this macro project: Forwarding, Panama and the Caribbean, is recognising Panama Pacifico as the Grupo STT, ZPMC, Dell, Grainger, 3M, recently told media. DHL has been in Best Free Zone in the Americas, and FedEx, BASF, Lacoste, VF Corp, EY, Panama Pacifico for some time. With in the categories of Best Free Zone for PepsiCo, Cummins, Agrekko, Damco, bigger ships coming from Asia, so the Education, Academic Collaboration, Ingersoll Rand, Kuehne + Nagel, Man number of containers is also bigger than Workforce Training & Development, Diesel, Nipro, Quest, Avon, Wilhelmsen, before. So DHL, says Knohr, receives and Career Development Support. PriceSmart, PPG Industries, and Rozo. more outbound containers at one time To maintain this recognition, joint into its Panama distribution centre than work with universities, schools [in The government sector is also a in the past in order to prevent customers Panama Pacifico] and academic participant in this achievement, from facing demurrage penalties and institutions such as ADEN, INCAE, through public-private partnerships, If the ship is delayed, the longer wait and INADEH have been fundamental. including the operation of 18 government times can potentially cause bottlenecks. Thus residents, employees and entities in a Unique Window that inhabitants of Western Panama have facilitates user procedures. Daniel Ábrego, founder and ceo of the chance to take advantage of the Intercontinental Logisitics Corp. (ILC), different stages of formal education. This important community model will explained that he decided to settle in expand its impact with the development Panama Pacifico site because of the Since 2016 the project has had LEED- of mega infrastructure projects, such proximity to the airport and ports, tax certified offices and warehouses. Among as the expansion to eight lanes of the benefits, labour and the one-stop shop. the principal characteristics of these Pan-American Highway, which will be Panama Pacifico promises growth and sustainable buildings are the following: approximately 10km long and with five value. Here companies are grouped as energy efficiency, low water consumption, interchanges; the fourth bridge over communities, share their ‘know-how’ responsible use of materials and waste, the Panama Canal, at a cost of more and fill any gap. Among them 3PLs, healthy internal spaces, and innovation. than $1bn, and considered to be the distribution companies, carriers, among All of these characteristics are focused largest project in the country after the others. Intercontinental Logistics Corp on creating employee well-being and expansion of the Panama Canal; and the (ILC) is a Panamanian capital company satisfaction. Panama Pacifico develops third metro line that will be a monorail located in Panama, Chile and Peru that products according to its clients' needs, departing from Albrook, will make its offers storage, distribution services including environmentally friendly first stop at the Panama Pacifico station, and provides innovative solutions. initiatives such as the so-called ‘Grand benefiting more than 1.7m users.•
Panama Pacifico
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Cristobal, on the Atlantic side
Panama is already benefitting from close relations with China Incentives for maritime
he maritime sector in Panama contemplates ship financing from banks The Panama Canal expansion has has grown substantially established in Panama while extending its proved a resounding success, posting in recent years and the reach to all foreign financial institutions traffic results much better than expected, sector – that includes the providing they establish a branch office say Canal officials. The opening of the TPanama Canal, container terminals, in Panama to enjoy the law’s benefits. bigger locks has reconfigured most logistics companies and shipping Panama’s banking centre is one of the services, upsizing the vessels and services – is now an important most important of the region with a total though they did not bring additional segment of the country’s economy of 83 banks established in Panama. transhipment to Panama’s terminals they participating with around 25% of its have opened the possibility of future Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and One of the purposes of the law is to businesses around the expanded canal. the biggest after financial services. encourage those institutions to provide The large infrastructure projects in ship financing and attract all foreign In 2018, cargo volume handled by the making and/or soon to tender, have financial institutions providing they set Panamanian ports showed an increase of given port operators hope of capturing foot in Panama to do ship financing 1.68% to 7.014m teu. However, in the first project cargo in the coming months and enjoy the benefits of Law 50 of half of 2019 cargo volumes grew 0.6% to and increase their throughput. 2017. The law also creates a special 3,340,507teu compared to 3,313,805teu legal regime for financing operations the year before, reflecting the economic Panama’s maritime sector is already in the local and international maritime slowdown. Colon has remained in the benefitting from the opening of sector and grants fiscal, migratory 38th position in the ‘One Hundred diplomatic relations with China in 2017. and labour incentives for companies World’s Top Ports’ with 4,324,478teu in The Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) carrying out maritime financing 2018, up 11.1% from 3,891,219teu in 2017. has signed a bilateral treaty on maritime operations and maritime projects. affairs, giving for the first time Panama But the new legislation needs to be The ports of Balboa and Cristobal show the most favoured nation status and with publicised to be known internationally. strong declines due mostly to the opening it, special tariffs for Panama-flagged of PSA-Panama International on the vessels entering Chinese ports as well The Amador Panama Cruise Terminal, Pacific other side of the Canal; although as developing close relations with the on the Pacific side, where the Chinese the other terminals posted positive Maritime Authority of China with regards CHEC construction company, together results. PSA-Panama had inaugurated in to seafarers, regulations and safety at sea. with the Belgian Jan de Nul, carry out March 2018 its expansion that doubled its the construction of this project, is built capacity to 2m teu and a Chinese group Panama passed a legislation for ship with the concept of being a ‘Home Port’. is constructing a 2m teu box terminal on financing, Law 50 of 28 June 2017 The construction is expected to conclude the Atlantic side, in Margarita, but the the ‘Naval Financing Law’, which in 2020; the administration of the cruise construction has slowed down in recent entered into force on 29 December terminal will be awarded by international months, delaying its future inauguration. 2017. The legislation creates an tender. The cruise terminal will mark attractive investment environment and a before and after for cruise tourism. The Panama Canal Authority (ACP)
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is itself looking at ventures around the new Neopanamax locks, including the construction of a ro-ro terminal, an LNG storage area and the multiple uses of a 1,200-hectare area where to create distribution centres and other businesses that could boost the incipient logistics sector. Additional projects in tourism are being studied for the areas around Gatun Lake, but most of these projects will be revisited by the new administrator Ricaurte Vasquez who took office on 5 September.
The government is focused on developing the logistics sector. Favourable The Chamber of Shipping new board of directors with its president Nicolas Vukelja legislations had been enacted in previous years, giving tax incentives to camaramaritima.org.pa) is the most and operating Neopanamax and Panamax multinationals establishing regional important guild of the maritime scene. vessels, tankers, reefers and bulk carriers. headquarters in Panama while a It was created in 1979 as a non-profit great number of firms have initiated organisation and groups shipping lines Every year the Chamber of Shipping operations in the economic free zone of and shipping agencies, marine supplies elects a new board of directors. Panama-Pacifico located in the former companies, ship repair, bunkering, ports Howard Air Force base which is being administrators as well as the railroad In June 2019, a new board of directors developed by UK’s London & Regional. and almost every sector related to the was elected for the period 2019-2020 maritime business. Because of a great which will be presided by Nicolas The former US military installations number of new companies, foreign and Vukelja, from Terramar Oil & Services. – that reverted to Panama at end-1999 nationals have opened shop in Panama Vukelja succeeded Patricia Velasquez, with the implementation of the Panama in recent years, its membership has Macosnar, who was the first woman Canal Treaty-have been transformed grown to 250 companies, all related to the to chair the Chamber of Shipping. and developed into residential areas, maritime-port activity and the chamber transport and economic zones that have membership comprises the shipping Nicolas Vukelja, an administrative boosted the potential of the maritime agencies, ship chandlers, terminal engineer who was vice-president in sector since they were located in the operators and the largest shipping lines the previous board of directors, is surroundings of the Panama Canal. in the world and main users of the accompanied by Franz Ziemetz, Panama President Laurentino Cortizo who took Panama Canal, such as Maersk Line, Agencies and Maricarmen Barrios, office July 1, 2019, believes in expanding, Cosco, Evergreen, ONE, APL, Seaboard, Wallenius Whilhelmsen Logistics modernising and promoting the logistics Crowley Liner Services, CMA CGM, MSC Panama, as vice presidents; Enrique sector and has created a logistics cabinet amongst others, having offices in Panama Clement, Manzanillo International that will be in charge of designing strategic policies to that effect and to show his presidential seriousness, Cortizo made his first logistics cabinet meeting at the PSA-International Terminal.
The AMP has also been working in association with Panama Chamber of Shipping on the construction of a pier, on the Pacific entrance of the waterway, near Amador, for maritime auxiliary services. The construction of the new pier, is very close to the Bridge of the Americas, has been awarded to a local company Consorcio Maritimo Inzelva. The auxiliary services pier will optimise competitiveness.
Despina Panayiotou, president of Wista International; Maria Noel Vaeza, regional director of The Panama Chamber of Shipping UN Women’s office for Latin America and the Caribbean; and Gabriela Araya, president of the (Camara Maritima de Panama, www. Organising Committee
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Terminal, Secretary; Miguel Rodriguez, country attractive for the establishment Likewise, Vukelja said he wants to ONE, Treasurer; Marie Lourdes Galan, of new investments in the sector, but promote new projects such as establishing De Castro & Robles; Wendy Sagel, we must ensure to be more competitive Panama as a centre for yachting since Marine Engineering Corp.; Rene Gomez, and avoid the implementation of the country is a ‘hurricane-free country’, Commercial Diving and Andres Mata, additional costs that scare away local amongst other attractions. ‘We have been Marine Transport, as directors. and foreign investment in our country,’ working with the Tourism Authority of he said, adding that the past government Panama for the past three years, through Vukelja knows the Chamber of Shipping administration [2014-2019] established our Yachts and Marinas committee, from the inside, having participated, a series of new costs that should be which is quite active’ and Panama would for many years as a pro-active member, reviewed. The agenda includes working benefit from this kind of tourism. in developing strong relationship on the revision and updating of laws with Panamanian Authorities. In the related to the maritime sector to create ‘We will continue with the education sworn-in ceremony, the new president the necessary conditions for attracting committee’s projects that drives the pledged to maintain the previous new companies and consolidating the technical preparation of the students, as presidents and founding members existing ones. In addition, the Chamber there is an immediate need for vacancies actively engaged in the activities of of Shipping of Panama wants the new in the maritime sector. We currently the guild and to work, together with government to develop more options have an excessive demand for staff with the government new authorities and for accessing the sea, both in the Pacific higher education and for specialised and the private sector on strategies and and in the Atlantic, and call to tender technical personnel,’ he said. ‘And we development of new projects that the new shipyard within the first six want to keep the Chamber of Shipping, increase competitiveness of the sector. months of government. ‘More than 300 unified and with a single voice.' companies work directly or indirectly ‘Panama has a strong maritime industry with the shipyard, and it generates Patricia Velasquez observed that and many advantages that make the more than 2,000 jobs,’ said Vukelja. during her tenure an interinstitutional
WISTA
From August 22-23, Panama hosted the Second Regional of the Women’s Empowerment Principles, as they believe Conference of Wista Americas, which brings together the most ‘Equality Means Business.’ influential women in the maritime sector and trading field. ‘We were happy to have surpassed expectations and have met Wista Panama, host of this event, is member of Wista professionals and wonderful women of the maritime sector. International, an association that serves as a connector for Thanks to all our Wistas for so much love and for sharing its network of more than 3,000 female professionals from all moments see you soon,’ said Gabriela Araya, president of the sectors of the maritime industry in more than 40 countries. Organising Committee. Nine national associations of Wista Wista International is presided by Despina Panayiotou. Wista were part of this event: Peru, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Panama was established in 2010, it was reactivated in 2018 by a US, Cyprus, Greece, Venezuela and of course Panama. ‘We group of young professional women. are grateful for the teamwork of our association and for the support received from all of you of the shipping industry The Panama’s Organising Committee was formed by its specially to Panama Maritime Authority’s Minister of Maritime president, Gabriela Araya, SETIMSA, Patricia Velasquez, Affairs Noriel Arauz.’ Macosnar Corporation and Gianela Rivas, Moscoso & Partners. Patricia Velasquez, former president of Panama Chamber of The key topics of the conference were: Connectivity, innovation Shipping (2018-2019) and first woman to preside over the guild, and equity and connecting the shipping industry of the Americas. had been nominated for the Wista International’s Personality of the Year which will be chosen in November. During this event Wista Panama and Wista International (pictured) signed with the United Nations’ women expressing their support for advancing equality between women and men that includes: Bring the broadest pool of talent to our endeavours; further our companies’ competitiveness; meet our corporate responsibility and sustainability commitments; model behaviour within our companies that reflects the society we would like for our employees, fellow citizens and families; encourage economic and social conditions that provide opportunities for women and men, girls and boys; and foster sustainable development in the countries in which we operate.’
Wista Panama and Wista International welcome the provisions
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agreement was signed with the Authority maritime industry on Panama. Panama to “K”Line and the Recognition of of Migration in which the Migration Maritime is organised alternatively Exceptional Person went to Carlos service will handle the same procedure by the Panama Maritime Chamber Urriola, president of SSA International and unified fee, avoiding discrimination. and the Panamanian Maritime Law and president of Manzanillo Also ‘our Education Commission, led Association. In 2019, Panama Maritime International Terminal, Panama (MIT). by Maricarmen Barrios, marked a was organised by the Chamber of milestone with the programme ‘hands Shipping. The Panama Maritime XIV The first day began the cycle of on’ with the participation of teachers Organising Committee, from the Panama conferences where the interventions and 479 students of maritime schools Chamber of Shipping, was presided in the Plenary Opening Session of and several universities. These groups by Captain Orlando Allard, RTI Latin Kitack Lim, Jorge Quijano and Patricia did their training in different maritime America, who also chaired the Organising Velazquez. The main theme for this companies and port terminals. Although Committee of Panama Maritime XII. version was ‘Take advantage of the the scholarship programme was delayed, evolutionary trends of the sector, for a we gave scholarships to two students The bi-annual Conference-exhibition more ecological, digital and autonomous to finish their bachelor’s degrees.’ Panama Maritime (March 17-20, 2019) took maritime industry’. The main thematic place at the Megapolis Convention Centre axes of the conferences included: The ‘We delivered the “Vision 2019-2024” and was celebrating its 14th version future of ports: from the current tensions a study on Panama as a maritime and which has been held consolidated to the changes and innovations of the country with the inputs provided by as one of the most prominent future; Strengthening of the Panamanian the membership and the Chamber instances for the maritime, port and logistics hub; Automation of shipping of Shipping and presented it publicly logistics industry in Latin America. logistics and the future of work; The in a press conference and to various The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) changing legal patterns of the industry universities and professional guilds. and the Panama Maritime Authority of maritime transport and logistics; We created, as a value-added to our (AMP) participated as co-organisers. Impact of artificial intelligence in a membership, an employment bureau timeless industry: Maritime transport; [Bolsa de Trabajo] available on our The inauguration ceremony was Environmental impact of maritime website. People interested can leave enhanced with the presence of Kitack transport as it faces 2020: Impact of their CVs, where they can be located, Lim, IMO secretary-general; Capt. the new regulatory regime of clean by category, professional interests. Orlando Allard, of the organising fuels and friendly to the environment; During the past year, we worked on committee of XIV Panama Maritime; Impact of investment International a proposal of new statutes for the Jorge Quijano, administrator of in positioning Panama as a regional Chamber and an ethic code which are the Panama Canal Authority; Jorge logistics hub; Empowering women in left for approval during this new board of Barakat, Minister of Maritime the shipping industry and logistics. directors’ tenure,’ explained Velasquez. Affairs and administrator of the Maritime Authority of Panama and BUNKERING Every two years the Chamber of Shipping Patricia Velasquez, president of the Panama marine fuel sales were hit in in co-ordination with the Panamanian Maritime Chamber of Panama. 2018 by the ‘bad bunkers’ problem that Maritime Law Association (PMLA) started in the US Gulf region leading organise a series of conferences and On this occasion, the Award for to a 1.8% drop in sales. Bunker sales exhibition known as Panama Maritime Excellence 2019 went to Seadrill; the fell by 1.8% to 4.55m metric tonnes (mt) that put the eyes of the international Green Shipping category was awarded compared to the record 4.63m mt the year before which registered growth Balboa fuel tanks of 15.61%. Sales on the Pacific side decreased by 5.59% to 3.38m mt while they increased by 11.22% to 1.16m mt on the Atlantic side, where bunkering had been on the rise for the past two years.
The first half of 2019 (January-June) registered an even stronger descend of 8.98% with total sales at 2.283m mt compared to 2.508m mt for the same period a year ago. Sales on the Pacific side fell by 6.27% to 1,744,666mt down from 1.861,404mt while the Atlantic side registered an unprecedent fall of 16.72% to 538,206mt compared to an increase of 19.72% to 646,813mt during the first half of 2018.
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Balboa fuel tanks
Panama bunker market attracts an Panama’s port activity combined with also expanded their facilities to reach increasing number of players every an increasing number of Neopanamax a total storage capacity of 30m bbls. year making Panama one of the most vessels going through the expanded competitive of the region. The proximity waterway and taking bunkers in Panama But Panama’s market was affected in of suppliers on the South America have provided more bunker business. 2018 by the ‘bad bunkers’ problem that Pacific coast and in the Caribbean The expectations of business because of started with fuel supplied in the US Gulf offers great availability of products, in more traffic in the expanded Canal have region, particularly in the Houston area quantities and at competitive prices. been a determined element in prompting with the problems quickly extending The bunker market is estimated to the construction of high-tech terminals in Panama and in a larger proportion represent around $1.5bn-$2bn. in Panama. Existing oil terminals have to Singapore. Although the problem
PetroAmerica Terminal SA (PATSA)
PetroAmerica Terminal SA (PATSA) is a land-based energy segregation and blending opportunities enable our customers to storage terminal, strategically located on the Pacific entrance meet IMO 2020 requirements. of the Panama Canal. A highly regarded regional terminal with an excellent operating track record, it plays a significant At PATSA’s privately held and operated marine facilities in the role in supplying regional, national and international markets. port of Balboa, customers have access to two jetties with four In early 2017, PATSA became part of the VTTI group, a berthing positions for barges and vessels up to Panamax size, global independent provider of energy storage. Comprising 16 with draught of 39ft and 750ft LOA. terminals strategically located in 14 countries, VTTI is dedicated to providing the highest industry standards and quality in its PATSA’s highly experienced and dedicated team works with operations. In the Americas, VTTI also has terminals in Zarate, customers to facilitate their operations in the best possible Argentina, and Seaport Canaveral, Florida, US. way, offering a solution-oriented approach to ensure their requirements are met, in a proactive, flexible and reliable manner. The 1.5m barrel footprint in Panama extends over two terminal locations: Rodman Tank Farm, with 400,000 bbls The terminal offers storage to a wide range of energy products and Arraijan Tank Farm, with 1.1m bbls. The terminal is and serves various market segments, including aviation, power well-positioned to cater to the changing markets and handle generation, marine and transportation. a wide range of energy products. Additionally, both terminal locations are equipped with loading racks to supply aviation As with all VTTI terminals, safety at PATSA is non-negotiable. and transportation fuels to the local market. Nothing can take priority over the well-being of its people or the environment in which it works. To this end, PATSA adheres With the new marine fuel quality regulations in sight, PATSA’s to the uniform set of high standards that apply to all VTTI flexible infrastructure of six oil pipelines and 39 tanks and its terminal facilities worldwide.
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was widespread, it was described in the industry as ‘the Houston problem’, Houston being the first location affected.
Currently, the greatest constraint in Panama is the physical restriction around the anchorage area of the Atlantic side of Panama, the only area where vessels can bunker today. The Neopanamax vessels seldom take bunkers on the Atlantic side because they go mostly directly from the anchorage outside the breakwater to the locks to transit. There is no waiting time before transiting the waterway.
Some important bunker suppliers have left Panama – Aegean, Ow Bunker and BP – but newcomers have entered the market. A few firms engage in spot deliveries. Panama’s major bunker The production locations have also trader who declined to be named. suppliers are Chevron, Chemoil, CEPSA, changed. The Atlantic side of Panama Bomin, Peninsula Petroleum, Triton, Rio ‘will be a strategic point to import ‘The change in trade flows post-2020 Energy, Quinn Oil and Terpel. Although materials from South America, Caribbean is unavoidable but represents a great Panama is not the only port offering and North America to supply the new opportunity for the development of the LSFO, most terminals have special IMO2020 specs. Panama Atlantic has Panamanian bunkering market and tanks for those products distributed a geographical advantage for these surrounding industry services,’ he added. now by the major suppliers. Many production locations to supply, compared vessels coming from the Far East and to competing short markets such as the Panama is starting to prepare for the West Coast of South America are Middle East and Singapore, and possibly 2020 by physical suppliers adjusting expected to take small quantities of LSF Europe. The opposite might become true their fleets as well as cargo players fuels to burn them when approaching for the Pacific side of Panama, which is positioning themselves to import and leaving US ports as SECA had currently located favourably to receive VLSFO as well as increased imports of entered into force since January 2015. High Sulphur materials from production MGO. There is a limitation to terminal areas located close by such as Mexico, availability, especially in Balboa, so The 2020 sulphur cap that enter Ecuador and Peru. Very Low Sulphur different players are making moves force January 1, 2020 will had materials are not produced in excess on to secure storage of their products. suppliers changed their orientation the Pacific side which could result in Furthermore, local maritime authorities and even configuration of the price pressure for the VLSFO market are working on how to ensure compliance vessels providing fuels to vessels. on the Pacific,’ commented a bunker with the new IMO regulations for all vessels transiting the canal.
On the Pacific side, the state-of-the- art Isla Melones Terminal, built on a 38,700sq mtr island 15km from the Panama Canal Pacific entrance, began operations in May 2013. The terminal, the first of its kind in the country, is a privately-owned company with a storage capacity of 2.1m bbls for heavy fuel oil and diesel and it operates within a Tax Free Zone [OFZ]. The terminal has the capability of handling Low Sulphur fuel oil [1%S] with a segregated system to coup with the demand of this new quality.
Decal, with a present tankage capacity of approximately 1.1m bbls (175,000cu mtr) is being increased by 181,500cu mtr, for a new total capacity of 2.23m
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bbls (356,500cu mtr) in one tranche, bunkering outside the breakwater 65 tanks and supply bunkers on The on-going expansion consists in the for the whole industry. both entrances of the Panama construction of 14 tanks and the existing Canal, with total storage capacity jetty is also being expanded to add two On the Pacific side, PATSA includes of 2.7mbbls although most of the more barge loading positions permitting a 1.1m bbls-36 tank farm in Western tanks date from decades ago. a loading capacity up to four barges Panama has two piers at Rodman, a at a time with maximum 3,000t/hr. former navy base on the Pacific entrance Royal Dutch Shell, in March 2017, agreed of the Panama Canal. VTTI BV (VTTI), to lease capacity at a large oil terminal in On the Atlantic side, the oil terminal the global independent provider of energy Panama that has been used by US refiner Telfer Tanks, located in the Atlantic port storage announced in 2017 it had acquired Tesoro Corp, gaining much-needed storage of Cristobal, has a 400mtr-pier and 1.2m 75% interest in PATSA S.A. VTTI's for its crude operations. The facility, barrels of tank capacity, with a 4-island-8 expertise and knowledge of the industry designed for storage and transhipment of position, automated loading rack for as well as its international network oil, is owned by Petroterminal de Panama truck delivery. It began operations mid- will further strengthen the central role and provides up to 14m bbls capacity, 2015. Telfer Tanks is the newest of the PATSA plays in supplying domestic and a pipeline network that connects the four terminals on the Atlantic side and international markets and enhance its Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and docks also the newest oil terminal in Panama. multiple potential growth opportunities. for very large tankers. The news report was confirmed by a government source: The Atlantic side competes with Triton Energy of Panama is one of the ‘We have signed a contract with Shell Caribbean bunker facilities. In December leading companies in the delivery of for a three-year period involving all the 2010, Colon Oil and Services SA (COASSA), marine fuels to the ships transiting the available space we have,’ said an official a terminal for marine fuels located on Panama Canal. Its main products are from the Panamanian government. For the Atlantic entrance of the Panama MGO and IFO. Triton energy is one Shell, having access to Panama would Canal was purchased by the Hamburg- of the physical fuel suppliers with a expand its current network in the Atlantic. based Oiltanking Group and began logistics network and complete supply After buying BG Group, it became the operating in January 2012.The terminal in the entire Panamanian territory. ‘All largest gas player in the Caribbean island has currently 750,000 barrels of capacity, our Logistics Network makes our service of Trinidad and Tobago, where it also a jetty of 14mtr depth for Panamax vessel reliable at all time,’ say Triton officials. has blending and lubricant facilities. and three positions for barges, plus a truck loading rack. Oiltanking owns and TEP also has storage on both sides of the Chevron-Texaco operates a tax-free operates 73 terminals in 22 countries Panama Canal with a sufficient capacity fuel zone like the other seven free and is one of the world’s leading storage to serve all its customers in the waters zones existing in the country. Exxon partners for oils, chemicals and gases. of the Panama Canal. The company Mobile has kept a local presence Oiltanking can expand its facilities in has also a network of barge fleets through PetroAmerica (PATSA) that Panama to a total of 1.15m bbls if needed. dedicated for its use. The Logistics and bought AMSTA in 2003. Singapore- Infrastructure that Triton Energy has in listed Chemoil Energy Limited, and Royal VOPAK’ s project started the 1st of Panama makes it one of the most reliable Canada-based Triton and CEPSA are September 2016. Vopak has commissioned marine fuel physical suppliers in the also present on the market. Mexican nine tanks of 250,000 barrels and marine territorial waters of the Panama Canal. government-owned Pemex International infrastructure, including a state-of-the-art entered the Panamanian market in 2007 jetty to handle ships of up to 80,000dwt Triton Energy is also responsible by forging an alliance with local storage. (LR1) and barges up to 10,000dwt. for supplying fuel to the local The Mexican company stores 1.32m bbls market in Panama and with its of fuel oil on both sides of the Panama The operation is fully automated. The own complete logistics network. Canal, from which it will provide marine equipment, systems, tanks with heating fuel to major distributors in the region. capability and marine loading arms at Panama Oil Terminal SA (POTSA) Also two companies PetroBunker and the jetty makes the operation unique has a 20-year concession to administer Petroport have entered the market in in Panama, meeting the highest world standards. The facility was strategically developed in alignment with the market changes for the upcoming IMO2020. One million barrels of storage capacity is dedicated to VLSFO (<0.5%S) with two dedicated lines capable to load and unload barges simultaneously.
In order to expand the market for its customers, Vopak has worked with the local industry and authorities to develop anchorage areas suitable for
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2008 and have built storage tanks.
VT Ships entered the market in October 2009 and operates one double-hull barge; in addition to three companies that supply bunkers: Trading Tankers, Interoceanic Supply Services (ISS) and Eagle Navigation & Trading, S.A which are trading bunkers in the region.
Eagle Navigation & Trading, S.A is a product tankers’ company based in Panama. It was founded ‘to meet the growing demand in quality bunker transporters that would meet the latest IMO regulations regarding protection of COASSA Colon the environment and compliance with the codes,’ says its general manager Raul The market has become highly on the Atlantic side while the Amador de Saint Malo. All bunkering vessels competitive as new companies are cruise terminal, could offer opportunities are classed with members of IACS continuously entering Panama’s chandler for ship chandlers on the Pacific side. and also meet the requirements of the market attracted by future opportunities International Safety Management code with the Panama Canal expansion and Mercantile Shipstores S.A. (Mercansa) (ISM), the Tanker Management and Self- growth of port activity. But it remains www.mercansa.com has consolidated, Assessment code and the International a pillar of auxiliary services. Chandlers over its 40 years of presence in the Ship & Port Facility Security Code. have to permanently diversify their market, its position as a key vessel operations and extend their activities to provider for the Panama Canal customers Compañia Maritima de Panama S.A. ship repair supplies. There is nothing and other clients in Latin America and (Grupo Boluda) provides oil to its traditional anymore in the chandlery the Caribbean region. The group is customers abroad the Caribbean, sector where food and vegetables currently present in Panama and in the Central and South America. Terramar become a secondary market while the Dominican Republic through its fully- Oil & Services provides barge service, supply of materials to make small ship owned subsidiary Mercansa Dominicana bunker and other services. repairs on board is leading the sector. (Mercantile Shipstores Dominicana) and is a member of the International Interoceanic Supply Services Corp (ISS) However, it is not clear, like other Ship Suppliers & Services Association entered Panama’s market in December segments of the maritime sector, whether (ISSA) Panama and the International 2007. The company has five barges, the increase of transits of Neopanamax Marine Purchasing Association (IMPA). situated on each side of the waterway. In vessels, which most of the time have 2013, ISS bought two new barges – Great no waiting time, bring additional Mercansa holds over 4,500 references Portobelo with 40,000 bbls and a very business to ship chandlers. The cruise in a 10,000sq mtr warehouse in the successful loading capacity was bought market remains ‘very competitive Colon Free Zone (Atlantic side) and last year to renew the fleet; Great Darien and demanding’ ship chandlers say, new warehouse in Albrook (Pacific supply boat with 5,000 bbls capacity. as most cruise vessels buy the large side) that provides immediate delivery This supply boat only transports MGO majority of their products in the US. through its specialised division Mercansa (Marine Gas Oil). In addition, ISS owns Ship Supply at competitive prices, Great Balboa; Great Gatun; and Great But the construction of a cruise terminal on the widest range of deck, engine, Panama as well as the supply boats or at the Pacific entrance of the Canal in cabin, deck, safety materials, provision, tugboats: Great Diablo- Great Coiba. Amador, expected to be in operations bonded-goods and FRS (Fire, Rescue and in 2020, could mark a difference for Safety) related products, as Mercansa CHANDLERY ship chandlers. Government officials currently services a large number of the Chandlery is a shipping activity which, will call an international tender to 14,000 vessels that transit the Panama like shipping agencies, dates back to before administer the terminal and some Canal every year. A new business unit the opening of the Panama Canal, when opportunities may surge as it will Mercansa Food Logistics, as wholesaler vessels arrived at the port of Colon, in the operate as a homeport. With some 200 and distributor for ship chandlers and late 1880’s looking for fresh goods before cruise calls a year, cruise vessels have the local market, includes new cold continuing their routes either northbound offered opportunities for ship chandlers storage of 1,000sq mtr, a new refrigerated or southbound. At the time, food supplies to increase their business but not in truck fleet of 15 units, a warehouse in to the vessels were mostly handled by the proportion expected by chandlers Albrook (Pacific side) and its own supply the shipping agencies; it was not until before the cruise industry began to call boats in both sides (Atlantic-Pacific). the post-WWII that the first dedicated Panama on a regular basis. Most of the chandlers appeared on the market. cruise vessels are docking at Colon 2000, As the company has increased sales
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into the South America and Caribbean Capital city) such as floor preparation, expanded Canal will also represent a marketplaces, Mercansa brings the grinding and polishing products, logistical challenge for suppliers, since it following services throughout two corrosion and coatings removal, concrete will allow ships to transit faster, limiting specialised divisions to provide top and stone dressing, deck and tank de- the time to supply them,’ he added. level services to its clients: Mercansa scaling, vibration management solutions, Wholesale, a fully dedicated export local area tamping, compound mixing and Mishal S.A. located in the Colon free division that offers marine wholesale dust control products amongst others. Zone, provides provisions but also supplies, and acts as an exclusive for bond, cabin, deck, engine, electrical, companies such as D. Koronakis S.A. PG The Group Safety division, Mercansa FRS safety and material lashing on a 24/7 Products Ltd, Strike First Corporation (Fire, Rescue & Safety) not only provides basis to the vessels waiting for transit of America, Trewlany, National Foam consulting services on the best products or in transhipment, and represents or Tufropes, to name just a few. available in the sector to comply with an the brand names Conseal, Devcon ever increasingly complex legislation, but products, Scaling Machines Kanjl, A recognised specialist for mooring, offers a high setting of life-raft and rescue MacGregor, Seck and Peck & Hale. towing and wire ropes and hawsers, boat service station, with inspections Mercansa also sells specialty marine and realised by qualified and experienced Panama Ship Supply (www. heavy-duty coatings, marine fire-fighters technicians for safety products, should shipsupplypanama.com) is located suit and chemical proof clothing, fire- they be marine-related or industrial. in Panama City and in the Colon extinguishers, fire extinguisher cabinets, Free Zone. The company was foam concentrate, foam proportioning Mercansa ceo Vikash Deepak, believes established by two logistics and systems, fixed and portable foam fire- ‘the Panama Canal expansion is definitely customer service professionals with fighting equipment, monitors, nozzles, and positively affecting our business, as over 25 years of experience in the specialised big flow pumping solutions it has attracted larger vessels that had maritime industry, to provide first and many other safety related products. not passed through the canal before; gas class service implementing the highest carriers and Neopanamax ships.’ However, quality standards in the industry and With Panamanian port and industrial the business is not necessarily to serve support to the maritime sector. sectors developing rapidly as well as more ships, but that ships allocate in the region, Mercansa has included a a greater portion of their budget to PROTECSA Proveedora Tecnica S.A. list of industrial products (distributed purchasing goods and services in Panama, (www.protecsa.com.pa) is one of the most through the Colon Free Zone and in the rather than in other ports, he says. ‘The experienced companies in the supply,
Centralam Panama lowest material cost and quality of products, transportation cost Centralam relies heavily on personal commitment from and supply security. individuals both internally and externally in order to perform well in our activities of moving a product or service from Centralam has been investing in business relations, supplier to customer. infrastructure and competence through implementation of quality standards, forming alliances and acquisitions and we ‘Our trading experience is based on providing customers with have been aligning and complementing employee’s personal sales and products that fit their requirements, always keeping competences to fit the vision of the management and our in mind our goal of meeting quality/price balance that impress business development strategy. client’s utilising our network capability and professionalism in general,’ says Centralam gm Thomas Rold. To excel in competition and create growth we don’t focus on only pricing, there are many other marketing elements to be We aim to provide our Customers with reliable, pro-active developed as distinguishing factors; as ‘product-offer-design’, and cost-effective products and services including shipping quality of service; and added on services and values are likewise solutions. With our experienced staff our aim is to keep playing a defining role by promoting and generating demand of customers constantly and promptly informed of arrangements services and products. or modifications, if needed. As part of the next phase in the evolution of traditional ship Over the past years one of our main assets has been our supply service, Centralam is looking forward to build a centric- lack of resilience to improve constantly in collaboration with enterprise structure highly virtualised, that enable people the business partners, networks support; as well as our fast to work anytime, anywhere and customers to purchase and adaptation to the local and global supply chain variations. consolidate their goods in a most efficient way, optimising on time and on overhead expenditures; all this always striving to In other aspects, we have been optimising our organisation’s minimise operational risk and costs related to supply; but by services to successfully be part of the supply chain, which still complying with our commitment to customer satisfaction. includes liaising with compatible suppliers to eliminate bottlenecks; sourcing strategically to strike a balance between And this will most likely make it difficult to have long weekends.
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installation and service of hydraulic looking for the indispensable maps in addition to clients from round the systems, industrial hardware, marine that will make they journeys safe world and the merchant shipping that electronics and marine systems, having and free of unpleasant adventures. transits the Panama Canal and trades established in Panama 30 years ago. in Latin America,’ explains the owner. The company specialises in installation But those are not the only bookstore's while giving equally supporting customers since the experienced company Islamorada International, classified equipment for marine electronics, being caters not only to those who call Panama as an International Chart Agent (UK authorised agents for Sperry Marine, but also to clients who regularly use Hydro Graphic Office) and appointed Anristu, Koden, Leica, Magnavox, the services well outside the region distributors of US (NIMA and NOS) and Newmar and a large number of other as the company is a part of a network NZ hydro graphic products, has a staff renowned international brand names. of Admiralty chart agents around the of fully bilingual and skilled people to It can import and deliver locally spare world. To save time and costly courier provide service to ships and companies parts and equipment duty free and expenses, Islamorada International ‘is not only in the Caribbean and Latin can export to any part of the world. working closely with other appointed American region, but worldwide. Admiralty chart agents to supply their CHARTS customers in our region in a more Chart Folio Management Services are Islamorada International S.A. (www. expedited fashion,’ explains Islamorada provided for Admiralty, NZ, and US islamorada.com), the largest nautical International manager Jason Critides. hydro graphic products, ranging from bookstore in Latin America, is well just the steady supply of Notice to known to the merchant marine The company had been appointed as an Mariners to a customised chart-folio community, yacht owners and sailors that Oceangrafix Remote printing agent, and management service, with provision of find what they look for at the colonial- can supply Print-on-Demand charts for automatic new editions delivery. 'We are Caption style building in Balboa near the Panama clients in Panama or elsewhere. ‘That authorised distributors for Admiralty Canal. Islamorada International is now has been very successful, particularly the digital products such as Admiralty Vector a landmark for nautical bookstores in NOS charts, since it now is a last minute’s Chart Service (AVCS) and the Admiralty Latin America. In spite of its emphasis option for vessel entering US waters, Raster Chart Service (ARCS), as well as on commercial ocean-going shipping where there are stringent regulations on Admiralty Digital Publications (ADP),’ he and publications for the professional keeping your chart folios up to date. They explains. ‘In recent years, the Admiralty mariner, Islamorada with its location have been selling well,’ says Critides. launched the AVCS, allowing operators in the former Canal Zone, an area of a very flexible and economical ENC historic interest in itself, is a store ‘For the last couple of years, we have also service which licences cells for periods worth stopping off at to browse around been printing Admiralty charts, so I’d just of three months up to 12 months.’ in. The store is decorated with some put it that we print Admiralty charts and interesting pieces of nautical history their US equivalents. And these too are The ENC coverage being offered by and particularly that of the Panama printed at the last minute with the latest the AVCS continues to grow, as is Canal since its inauguration in 1914. Notices to Mariners applied,’ he adds. the interest in the service since the International Maritime Organisation The company, created some forty years The bookstore offers a wide range (IMO) has mandated ECDIS (Electronic ago by the present owner father, is a of professional maritime reference Display and Information Systems) as treasures’ cove, selling nautical charts, books on the industry in general; with of 2012. The implementation will be nautical books and publications, subjects ranging from tanker operations, phased in sections, the first of them maritime software, and instruments. port operations, maritime education, will concern all new construction It is also a must-do meeting place to salvage. 'Tramp bulk and tankers and then, year after year, different for visitors from round the world form the mainstay of its customers segments will require it on-board.
Jason Critides
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‘We work closely with the UK Hydro As part of the plan to increase the but minor slides and boulders. Graphic Office and original equipment Panama Canal offering to the maritime Maintenance and capital projects area manufacturers, to educate and assist industry, two new anchorages (Peña developed sharing equipment and in owners in this process, with information Blanca and Monte Lirio) are being a complex and dynamic schedule. on the systems, what ENCs are legal, created at the northern part of Gatun what equipment is legal, training Lake in order to provide a maximum A trailing suction hopper dredge was requirements, and more.’ says Critides. equivalent capacity of 13 Neopanamaxes chartered in 2018 for 70 days to remove and one Panamax vessel. Works include 1.01m cubic metres of siltation in The bookstore sells also plotting, weather, the subaquatic clearing of stumps and Gaillard Cut and the Canal's Pacific side. optical, and navigation instruments in dredging of 0.44m cu mtr to reach the Additionally, beyond the commitment addition to a wide range of nautical design depth of 18.3mtr. As July 2019, the of the expansion programme, both sea books covering navigation, seamanship, projectSeatrade has a progress of aboutProof 82%, with entrances to the Neopanamax locks towing and salvage, ship design and naval six Neopanamaxes and one Panamax were deepened to allow an increase in architecture, yachting and leisure, marine anchorage positions completed. The vessels draught from 14mtr to 15.2mtr, engineering, cargo work, log books, project will conclude on September 2020. which was mainly executed under maritime business and even maritime law. dredging contracts, removing 1.8m HighThese Resolution projects will be complemented PDFcu mtr for a total amount $30.7m. DREDGING with the newly Cocoli South Mooring The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) Station, which will provide a safe Dredging International (DEME Group- Dredging Division: Upon the completion and additional location to secure a DI) from Belgium has been involved of the capital dredging works for the Neopanamax vessel, improving the canal in the Panama Canal expansion since Canal expansion programme in 2016 traffic and securing them when affected the beginning of the project. DI was – which included the widening and by harsh weather, traffic restrictions or awarded by the ACP the dredging of the deepening of the navigation channel damages. In general, the scope includes Pacific entrance for the Canal expansion of the southern end of Gatun Lake, land-based and subaquatic drilling project, in April 2008. DI offered $177.6m Cartagena and Cocoli Reaches and the and blasting operations, dry excavation to widen the Canal’s approximate 14km removal of the dams or ‘plugs’ within and dredging works to remove around navigation channel to a minimum of the lake and close to the Neopanamax 0.87m cu mtr of basaltic rock to reach 225mtr and deepen it to a maximum locks, as well as the widening of the design depth of 16.76 metres, as well level of -15.5mtr Mean Low Water Spring Gaillard Cut, removing a total estimated as the installation of six Neopanamax- (MLWS). It was the first project in Panama volume of 49.8m cu mtr – the ACP designed mooring buoys, which will for Dredging International, and one of dredging programme has been focused be available on September 2019. The the largest projects in the Americas. DI’s on relevant channel improvement and budget for this project is $25m. split the project into eight sections that maintenance dredging since 2017. was dredged over two phases, removal of Other minor dredging works, such as the relatively soft overburden, and then, One of these improvements was northern the excavation of a commercial vessels removal of the rock. In January 2012, of Bas Obispo and Gamboa Reaches' dock’s basin and the deepening of the ACP requested a modification of the widening from 225 to 305mtr, on a ACP tug, fuel and launches landings, contract that brought additional work 7.7km portion of Canal, which allows will be performed during fiscal year and expanded the deadline to June 2013. the meeting of two Neopanamax vessels 2019. The materials being dredged transit parallel to each other since are disposed on confined inland or in DI had deployed in Panama, 9 units in December 2017 and the expansion of open water disposal sites, which are total, brought new vessels with the latest Gamboa’s mooring area to accommodate built or designed for this purpose. technology, including the drillship Yuan Panamax and Neopanamax vessels, which Dong 007, a mix of very new and proven required the removal of approximately The ACP dredge fleet, composed by the dredges specifically selected for the job. 11.2m cu mtr of earth and rocks. The dipper dredge Rialto M. Christensen Those included DI’s cutter flagship, $137m project began on October 2013 (already retired on January 2019), 28,200kW self-propelled heavy-duty and will conclude on September 2019. backhoe dredger Alberto Aleman vessel D’Artagnan that has 6,000kW Works includes drilling and blasting, Zubieta, cutter-suction dredger Quibian cutter power, plus the 9,000cu mtr trailer dry excavation, dredging, relocation of I and drilling and blasting barge Breydel and the backhoe Samson, a aids to navigation, alignment towers, and Barú, have been kept extremely busy clamshell and a couple of self-propelled installation of mooring buoys. This project in all projects, including maintaining 2,000cu mtr hopper barges. Drilling and improves the Canal’s capacity, accelerating channels depth through maintenance blasting were initiated with the Yuan traffic, reducing the time in Canal waters projects in Gaillard Cut, facing the Dong 007 chartered by DI, a pioneering and providingIslamorada a safe area HS Green.pdf to secure vessels. 1 20/01/2016removal, 09:32 not only of sediments, vessel designed and built specifically for
Islamorada www.islamorada.com
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the Panama Canal expansion project and of the Lake. This contract was one to Alvarado & Durling and Vergel & built at a cost of $25m by Chinese blast component within the ACP Fresh Water Castellanos, which built the facilities. company Yuan Dong, at Ningbo shipyard. Dredging and Excavation Project for There was some land-based dredging the Canal expansion, which included in addition to the of 1m cu mtr to In June 2010, the ACP awarded DI the dredging and/or excavation of increase depth to 14.5mtr at MWLS. their second Panama Canal contract to about 30m cu mtr in the 425sq km dredge Gatun Lake since the Belgium Gatun Lake and Gaillard Cut. Belgium-based Jan De Nul Group in Company offered the lowest price of Panama. People and global expertise: $ 39.98m for widening and deepening In addition to the ACP expansion, these are the corner stones of Jan De the existing navigational channel Dredging International-Panama dredged Nul Group’s success. Thanks to its by dredging approximately 4.6m cu the approach of the PSA-Panama skilled employees and the world’s most mtr in the northern most reaches International Terminal as subcontractor modern fleet, Jan De Nul Group is a
Boskalis Panama
Royal Boskalis Westminster NV, a leading global maritime and delta regions of the world with the construction and services company operating in the dredging, maritime maintenance of ports and waterways, land reclamation, coastal infrastructure and maritime services sectors, has become a defence and riverbank protection. In addition, they offer a wide regular feature in the various infrastructure works in the variety of marine services and contracting for the offshore isthmus with dredging projects since 1989. energy sector including transport, logistics and installation and towage, salvage and wreck removal (through SMIT). The company provides creative and innovative all-round solutions to infrastructural challenges in the maritime, coastal Through their in-house engineering company Hydronamic, they have ample experience in managing and executing projects that included design, engineering and construction scopes.
In the 30 years that they are active in Panama, Boskalis Panama S.A. has executed over 54 projects for both private and public clients, with a total dredge volume exceeding 40m cu mtr. Their continuous presence allows them to build on a long-standing experience and knowledge of the local coastline Panamanian working conditions, permit requirements and specific local (market) circumstances.
Boskalis' strategy is aimed at benefitting from key macro- economic factors which drive worldwide demand in their markets: Expansion of the global economy, increasing energy Punta Pacifica Islands consumption, global population growth and the challenges created by Boksalis presented by climate change.
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leading expert in dredging and marine construction activities, as well as in specialised services for the offshore industry of oil, gas and renewable energy. These core marine activities are further enhanced by Jan De Nul Group’s in-house civil and environmental capabilities Seatrade Proof offering clients a complete package solution. Our professional and innovative solutions are trusted across the industry, together with our customers we build for further economic development.High In Resolution PDF Panama, the largest project Jan De Nul Group has been involved in is without a doubt the construction of the new third set of locks complex for the Panama Canal, one of the most prestigious a $165.7m contract by Panama Maritime passengers when the port is in full infra-structure works in the world. Authority (AMP) to design, develop and operation. This building will have a build the Amador Cruise Terminal at the green building certification, with more Jan De Nul Group was part of the Panama Canal Pacific entrance. CHEC, than two hectares as a green area and consortium Grupo Unidos Por el Canal a subsidiary of China Communications paths, which should be integrated with (GUPC) which was awarded the $3.2bn Construction Co. Ltd., has been present the other spaces included in the project. contract for the construction. In August in the isthmus for some years, having 2009 the construction of six new locks been awarded the construction of Rotterdam-based, Van Oord (www. was commenced, comparable to the Evergreen’s Colon Container Terminal vanoord.com) took the strategic Berendrecht lock that was realised by (CCT) expansion, amongst other projects. decision to locate a permanent office the company 30 years ago in the port The works were to be carried out within in the region when Van Oord opened of Antwerp. It is especially its size that 24 months and the inauguration of the its office in Panama to take care of made the work in Panama complicated. Amador Cruise Terminal is now planned clients in Central America, because of The six locks along the Atlantic Ocean in 2020, since it has faced some delays. the many opportunities offered by the and the Pacific Ocean together required Central America region which shows 5m cu mtr of concrete, 40m cu mtr of dry The terminal will have capacity to good figures when it comes to economic excavation, 50,000 tonnes of steel doors accommodate two ships of 360mtr growth, especially in countries such and sluice gates, and no less than 6,000 to in length, with a capacity of 5,000 as Panama, Mexico and Colombia. 7,000 workers. Hence, the challenge has passengers per vessel, in an area whose not been only in the technical difficulties, draught must reach 10.5mtr and be able Since the opening of Van Oord’s office, but especially in the use of the large to receive cruise ships at any time of day, several important projects in the region numbers of means and employees. The regardless of the condition of the tide. have successfully been completed in assignment was won thanks to a number amongst others, in Costa Rica, Mexico of creative and innovative solutions. The terminal will have an area with and Colombia, where both capital and parking for 300 vehicles, 60 spaces maintenance dredging works were The consortium Cruceros del Pacifico, for buses and 25 for trucks. An executed with the employment of formed by Belgium’s Jan de Nul environmentally friendly administrative dredgers from Van Oord’ s fleet that and Beijing-based China Harbour building of approximately 10,800sq consists of more than hundred vessels. Islamorada QPH Blue.pdf 1 20/01/2016 09:35 Engineering Co. (CHEC), was awarded mtr will be built to serve the 10,000 Van Oord’s strategy has included a €1bn
NOAA charts printed-on-demand. With latest NtM applied, up to date.
Navigation Supplies and Services PANAMA
SALES AGENT
Tel: +507 228 4947 Fax: +507 211 0844 E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] www.islamorada.com
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investment programme resulting in a very with the opening of two services, the the late 1990s and is among Panama modern and versatile fleet that includes Andean Service covering the east coast Canal’s top ten customers. COSCO- vessels for all types of projects, including of US, Panama and west coast of South Panama that was transferred in 2003 to self-propelled cutter suction dredgers and America serviced by three vessels. COSCON formerly COSCO Americas, backhoe dredgers, as well as specialised The present structure has seen many handles six branch agencies in Central equipment for pipeline installation and changes with the consolidation of a America covering Venezuela, Colombia, the installation of offshore wind farms. large number of sectors following the Mexico, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica APMoeller Group re-organisation. and Panama and operates as a general In addition, there are also a number agent for COSCO vessels and for other of opportunities outside Panama, just APL, through its predecessor the Pacific vessels as well. All branches account to mention: In Mexico the National Mail Steam Ship Company, had been to COSCO-Panama which acts as an Infrastructure Plan has allocated around present in Panama long before the internal financial centre for the group $315bn for projects over the next six Panama Canal was inaugurated in 1914. operations in the region. The Panama years. Amongst others this plan includes PMSSC introduced in 1848 a pioneering regional office had been augmented port upgrades with the aim to improve coastal steamship service between Panama with the merger with China Shipping. exports logistics. Van Oord has got a and California for passengers and freight. branch office in Mexico and is intensively In the modern age, in 1995, APL began the The French carrier CMA CGM is amongst participating in emerging tenders. first, dedicated all-water east coast service the top ten first customers of the Panama from Asia to the US east coast, with calls at Canal and is a leader in the international MARITIME SERVICES Manzanillo International Terminal (MIT). container shipping industry, which plays Most of the Canal customers shipping Since beginning 2005, APL has initiated a predominant role in the global economy lines have established regional operations operations from the port of Balboa for by carrying more than 90% of all goods in the country to handle directly their transhipment and connections to its bought and sold around the world. The operations with the waterway; many own network of vessels. Panama is the CMA CGM Group operates globally of them having based their regional regional office for Latin America but also through a network of 650 agencies in offices in Panama and participating calls other Panamanian terminals. APL is more than 150 countries. With its five in the growth of the maritime sector. likely to maintain the same regional office main hubs located in Malta, Tangier, In addition, a number of companies even though after the recent purchase of Khor Fakkan, Kingston in Jamaica and have opened offices in Panama to be its parent company NOL by CMA CGM. Port Kelang, the Group serves both major present when the expanded Canal began shipping lines and secondary axes. operations end of June 2016. Those The Cosco (Central America) provides companies are oriented towards auxiliary services from the Far East, the US and CMA CGM started operation in Panama services, from inspection, class and survey Panama with vessels fully owned or on January 1, 2006 under the new joint companies for the Ship Registry, to port operated by Cosco Group. The company’s venture named CMA CGM Panama, Inc. construction, security, distribution firms Far East-North America service, formerly Before that date, the French company, the of port and shipping equipment and from China Shipping, operates 13 vessels world’s third largest container shipping consulting firms. They have consequently out of the company’s 98 container company, was represented in Panama by contributed to the strengthening of the vessels and a total of 120,000teu, also French Shipping Agency until December sector with new capital and products. co-operates with CMA CGM, ZIM, and 2005. CMA CGM calls Panama ports other lines on services from US east on both Atlantic and Pacific sides. Two The most important shipping lines are coast to Asia and vice versa. Cosco has offices are located in Panama: one in now working directly their vessels from absorbed China Shipping group in 2016. Panama City and one at Manzanillo their offices opened in the past ten years. International Terminal (MIT) in Colon. This move has largely contributed to China Ocean Shipping Company
ACP Dredging the mergers of shipping agencies. (COSCO), and the holding company CMA CGM team in Colon takes care Lake Gatun Cosco China Shipping (COSCOCS), of Colon Free Zone exporters, in close APM-Maersk group of companies in Group Chairman Xu Lirong has launched relation with Panama City office. With Panama with more than 200 people, has new lines of business for the company: an organisation dedicated to reefers its commercial headquarters in Costa del Cosco Shipping Lines (Central America) and a network of experts in over 85 Este, covering the local Maersk Panama Inc. and Cosco Shipping lines (Panama) countries, CMA CGM moves most of activities, Maersk Line Caribbean Sea Inc., in Panama in 2016. The launch took agricultural Panamanian exports, in Cluster (overlooking 10 countries) and place one day after the opening of the particular fruits such as watermelons the new Maersk Line Regional Team expanded canal with the transit of the and pineapples. CMA CGM owns one (recently relocating from Sao Paulo), Cosco Shipping Panama. The merger of of the largest and youngest – fleets of APM Terminals and Damco Latin the two largest Chinese shipping lines reefer containers: 170,000 reefer teu in America regional teams, as well as the has made COSCOCS the fourth largest fleet within 90,000 low energy teu. Latin America liner operations centre in the world with a market share of 7.7% located in Balboa. Maersk Panama, S.A. according to figures from Alphaliner. Chile’s Compania Sud Americana de Operations officially started January Vapores (CSAV) and Crowley have 1992 with ten staff members, one office COSCO opened offices in Panama in also opened offices in Panama while
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Taiwan-based Evergreen operates its liner services and agencies for the region from its subsidiary in Panama located in its own ‘green’ building. Even afterHigh Resolution PDF the merger of CSAV container unit and Hamburg Sud, CSAV maintains its office in Panama as the company continues to operate in Latin America.
ONE – from the merger of the Japanese MOL (Mitsui O.S.K. Lines), NYK and “K”Line. Ocean Network Express (ONE) was announced and formed as a new joint venture in 2016, in between Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK), Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), "K"Line (KLI). The company started trading under the name ‘Ocean Network Express’ from 1 April 2018, with a holding company office in Tokyo, global headquarters in Singapore and regional headquarters in UK (London), 19 in Asia Far East (seven in China, the main office in Panama City and a US (Richmond, VA), Hong Kong, and five in Japan), three in the Indian second office locate in Colon, on the Brazil (Sao Paulo). ONE has a fleet subcontinent, seven in Middle East and Atlantic side. ONE Panama staff is a mix size of 1.4m teu and is the sixth largest Red Sea, 24 in Europe (seven in North of professionals in the maritime industry player in the global shipping market. Continent, 14 in the Mediterranean led by Julio De la Lastra, president Sea), 21 in US and Canada, seven in and ceo with more than 40 years of ONE is an integral member of The Central America and Caribbean. experience in the shipping industry. Alliance, providing 34 services, directly
calling at 81Islamorada different HP ports Purple.pdf on a 1 20/01/2016Ocean 09:41Network Express Panama Inc. Ocean Network Express Panama Inc. regular and continuous basis, of which started operation on 1st April 2018 with start operation 1st April 2018 with
Tel: +507 228 4947 Fax: +507 211 0844 Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
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the main office in Panama City and a Alpha Laval, with local presence in solutions that minimise the financial second office located in Colon, on the Panama with technical and commercial impact of any unexpected break down. Atlantic side. ONE Panama staff is a branches working together and a field mix of professionals in the maritime engineers network ready to support Alpha Subsea Diving Services has industry led by Julio De la Lastra, the complete service portfolio, Alfa opened for business on the Panama president and ceo with more than 40 Laval offers a wide range of solutions, maritime scene. An all-round diving years of experience in the shipping troubleshooting and maintenance for the company, it specialises in ship industry. Since ONE began operation treatment of ballast water (PureBallast), maintenance and repairs as well as in Panama, more than 378 vessels have fuel, lube oil treatment separators, plate construction diving, bringing together transited the Panama Canal. ONE had heat exchangers, boilers (Aalborg Alfa a team with a wealth of experience a canal ranking of 570 when started Laval), oily water treatment (PureBilge) in all areas of commercial diving. transiting the canal back in April 2018. and is also in the capacity to train, audit ‘In August 2019, our ranking increased and develop technical skills for the Best Freight Search (www. to the 5th position,’ said De La Lastra. crew and customers technical teams, bestfreightsearch.com or www.
International Association of Recognised Organisations (IARO) The International Association of Recognised Organisations (IARO) groups the Recognised Organisations of Panamanian capital and was created in 1996.
Its current members are: Intermaritime Certification Services ICS; International Register of Shipping IRS; Isthmus Bureau of Shipping IBS; MACOSNAR Corporation; Overseas Marine Certification Services OMCS; Panama Maritime Documentation Services PMDS; Panama Shipping Registrar PSR and Qualitas Register of Shipping QRS.
Every two years, IARO elects its board of directors and July 31, 2019, Alex Orillac became president of AIRO for the next two years. The new board of directors for the period 2019–2021 is composed of: president Alex Orillac from on the new constructions and understand which banks Isthmus Bureau of Shipping (IBS); vice president Adbiel Diaz are financing these new constructions, the owners of these from Panama Shipping Registrar (PSR); secretary Reynaldo new construction as orders are mainly coming from Japan, Garibaldi from Panama Maritime Documentation Services China, Greece, South Korea and Norway. Therefore, it is very (PMDS); treasurer Rogelio Barsallo from Qualitas Register important that the Maritime Authority of Panama have the of Shipping (QRS); director Luis Velasquez from Macosnar capacity to manoeuvre in these markets, reducing bureaucracy Corporation (MCO); and director Santiago Torrijjos from and excessive red tape,’ said Orillac. Intermaritime Certification Services (ICS). The IARO can show some great achievements and thanks In his address to IARO members, Alex Orillac extended the to its members, it has ‘1,365 vessels classified for a total Association’s co-operation to the AMP ‘so that together we of 8,070,738gt. We have 1,627 ships certified under the can position Panama as a maritime country of excellence and Panamanian Registry, 16% of the total number of vessels we reiterate our offer to work jointly and by consensus with registered in Panama and our presence in 67 countries makes the new government of President Laurentino Cortizo for the us one of the main exporters of services in Panama,’ he added. growth of the Panamanian maritime sector.’ The Association was formed to seek the assembly of all ‘Let's look for ways of co-operation and make the association Panamanian and foreign companies which duly authorised by and its members be a recognised by other registries of their respective governments, are engaged in the inspection and relevance. We all know that the Panama Registry needs to issuance of governmental technical certificates. In addition, the capture new construction records and for this it is important IARO aims at studying and improving Panamanian legislation to understand what are the short, medium and long term’s in everything concerning the safety of human life at sea of projections of the world fleet. Our Association must consolidate all maritime safety conventions signed by the Republic of a strategic role, where we re-focus our priorities and efforts and Panama or the country of one of its members and periodic worry about being co-responsible in the solutions to the great modifications of the regulations and technical regulations challenges that our merchant marine faces.’ used by all members of the Association, always seeking the development, knowledge and improvement of the services ‘It is also necessary to know the planning of the companies promoted by all members.
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near the Panama Canal, is comprised authorised by the Panama Maritime UAE, IME offers a worldwide coverage. of a small group of professional Authority to survey and issue all necessary marine engineers and ships officers. statutory certificates on its behalf required The Intermaritime Group, founded by the Panamanian government and the by Eng. Santiago Torrijos, is formed Its sister company, Overseas Marine International Maritime Organisation by six companies dedicated exclusively Certification Services (OMCS), is both (IMO) for Panama-flagged vessels. With to the maritime business for the most a Recognised Organisation (RO) and headquarters at Panama and regional important Flag states. Intermaritime Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) offices located at Shanghai, China & Dubai, Certification Services (ICS Class)
Pole Star
Pole Star is a leading provider of ship-centric tracking, • The need for proximity of receivers imposes coverage monitoring, compliance, and risk management services to the limitations government, maritime, financial markets & compliance sectors. • AIS messages do not include timestamps: Time stamps are PurpleTRAC screens vessels, flag, ownership & management, added by whoever captures the data, leaving them susceptible current & past regulatory exposures against a comprehensive to errors or falsification. database of global economic sanctions and watchlists. • AIS units do not have an inherent method of unit identification: PurpleTRAC monitors ship movements in near real-time In a worst case scenario, all of the identifying using data from multiple sources, detecting significant events information can be falsified. AIS units that aren’t properly re- throughout its voyage and continuing to screen it daily. configured after a change of flag are one of the main sources of bad AIS data. In early 2019, a UN PoE report was released stating that “the manipulation of vessel AIS (Automatic Identification System) AIS is available in two forms; Terrestrial AIS (T-AIS) and transmissions remains an overarching feature of illegal Satellite AIS (S-AIS). transfers”, which is not being taken into account by most global and regional commodity trading companies, banks and insurers, In trying to solve the issues affecting T-AIS, S-AIS was created, whose due diligence efforts fall extremely short. however it too suffers from drawbacks, particularly increased latency and that coverage is not static, meaning that continuous “Many of the vessels involved in such transfers routinely engage coverage can only be achieved at a high cost. in [illegal] activities”. (UN PoE Report S/2019/171) The role of AIS in the world of deceptive AIS is a VHF-based tracking system used by ships and vessel shipping practices traffic services to identify and locate other nearby ships for Deceptive practices are intended to circumvent existing the primary purpose of collision avoidance. SOLAS regulation regulations in shipping related transactions. The risk of engaging requires AIS to provide information (including the ship's in prohibited activity or processing prohibited transactions can identity, type, position, course, and speed) to appropriately be mitigated by monitoring for AIS manipulation. equipped shore stations and other ships, receive information from other AIS-enabled ships, monitor and track ships and There are three methods to attempt to interfere with AIS-based exchange data with shore-based facilities. ship-tracking: • Stopping AIS transmissions AIS is recognised by the IMO for the purpose of collision • Transmitting invalid or false ship identifiers avoidance and not as a global ship tracking system. SOLAS • Tampering with the AIS messages LRIT regulation does not specifically mention technologies like AIS, but its requirements preclude AIS use. Regulations Ship registries, insurers, charterers, vessel owners, and port that require ship-tracking capabilities and include AIS as an state control entities should consider investigating vessels that accepted technology tend to be local or regional, limited to appear to attempt interfering with their AIS near sanctioned areas known to have good coverage. zones. Any other signs of AIS transponder manipulation should be considered red flags for potential illicit activity and As the main role of AIS moves away from its original purpose, should be investigated fully prior to continuing to provide several inherent features now pose weaknesses. services to, processing transactions involving, or engaging in other activities with such vessels. • Data collisions: This occurs when two or more units try to use the same transmission time slot causing messages to become As the sanctions landscape grows ever more complex, the need garbled and lost. to remain knowledgeable about potential risk and have proper • AIS communications are not meant to be secure and can risk-mitigation processes & technologies in place has become therefore be falsified: This can allow attackers to tamper with essential. The importance of technology solutions incorporating valid AIS data multiple data sources and AIS providers, such as Pole Star’s • AIS equipment is not required to be continuously switched on: PurpleTRAC, have become crucial in augmenting and validating AIS messages are received by anyone with an AIS receiver AIS and demonstrating best efforts of compliance.
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buscomejorflete.com) is a platform designed to facilitate competitive freight for Panama exporters and importers. The site is completely free for importers and exporters. They are not required to subscribe, providing quick access to a large number of maritime, air and land cargo transport service providers. Freight providers become members of the platform at a very low monthly membership fee. The freight providers will make best offers, as they know they are competing with other members of the platform. The platform’s actual members are shipping lines, cargo agencies, logistics 1995 in Panama and will celebrate department that assist with S&P of operators and any company selling its 25th anniversary next year. Class vessels between clients. Hubel Marine has freights. There are advertising spaces IBS was established as Classification recently flagged in Panama the world’s for other providers of cargo services. Society in order to promote the biggest dual-fuel semi-submersible regulation and development of the crane vessel Heerema’s SLEIPNIR. BestFreightSearch.com has integrated shipping and shipbuilding industries. a friendlier Home page in which it is Intercoastal Marine Inc. (www.imi.com. very easy to select the country where Although ClassIBS has its head pa) is the leading marine construction the shipper wishes to post his cargo office in Panama, it has a network of company in Central America. Since its to request the freight rate. Users can representative offices and more than 75 foundation in 1995, IMI has played a also easily download the platform surveyors around the world, which work major role on the development of the link on the screen of their tablet under direction and coordination from its marine sector in Panama completing or mobile phone for quick access head office. In addition to its classification most of the existing container terminals and post their freight request. activities, ClassIBS conducts surveys on in the country. It continues to participate behalf of third parties including State in all the tenders and large projects of To date, the platform registers an average Administrations like Panama through the expansion of the existing terminals of more than 20 visits per day or some the Panama Maritime Authority, Belize on both sides of the Panama Canal. 600 per month and has an average through IMMARBE (International of five effective postings of freight Merchant Marine of Belize), and Jamaica In2011, IMI was acquired by two important quotations per day that have included through the Maritime Authority of construction companies in Latin from annual tenders of 1,000 containers Jamaica, among others. The society America: Conconcreto from Colombia up to the total annual movement also verifies the safety management and Salfacorp from Chile through a loose cargo of one single importer. systems of ship-management companies Colombian outfit called Consalfa. IMI, and ships, in accordance with the backed by its partners, offers solid Braemar – incorporating The Salvage International Safety Management (ISM) management and depth technical expertise Association – Braemar SA, a world Code, International Ship and Port Facility on each and every one of its workers leading multi-disciplinary Marine Security (ISPS) Code and Maritime and professionals. IMI is an equipment Surveying and Technical Consultancy, has Labour Convention 2006 (MLC 2006). intensive company and offers a large set up a new office in Panama. Braemar series of heavy cranes that range from 12 SA offers a broad range of technical and Hubel Marine B.V. is a Rotterdam- tonnes to 300 tonnes and it has bought in-depth expert services to the maritime based maritime consultancy firm Hubel its sixth 2,100hp-25 tonnes bollard pull- industry. In addition to traditional Hull Marine B.V. were laid in the 1980 by Mr. tug boat. IMI has been able to maintain & Machinery damage surveys it has J.W. de Koning performing flag state its sustainable growth in Panama and also successfully further developed our inspections for Panama. The range of simultaneous start its internationalisation scope of services to include a broad services grew and since 1997 the company in other Latin American markets such as range of expert marine consultancy is run by Erik de Koning, his son and Guatemala and Dominican Republic. services and also expansion of the project sole owner. De Koning was joined, a cargo warranty capacity. The company couple of years later, by Wouter Sluis International Marine Experts (IME) has offices in New York, Miami, New who is now general manager, and a (www.ime.com.pa) provides for Orleans, Houston, Seattle, Montreal, support team of professionals. The four inspections of ships and yachts that have Rio and a planned office in Toronto. pillars of the company are the following been damaged or require inspections or services: registration of vessels, flag surveys for either insurance purposes or ClassIBS – Isthmus Bureau of Shipping state seafarer endorsements, flag related for pre-purchase condition and appraisal (www.ibs.com.pa) was founded in May Classification surveys and a service evaluations. The company, located
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MAN Energy Solutions Panama (MAN ES Panama)
At MAN ES Panama we transfer three MAN PrimeServ key- messages in everything we do: Customer Proximity, Solution Orientation and Technical Competence. We spread these three key messages within our full array of services providing our customers with expert technical assistance, OEM spare parts, and efficient workshop services. Thanks to our geographic location the company has become a rapid and efficient place for the development of customers’ demands.
MAN ES Panama started operations in 2007 as MAN Diesel Panama, with a small office and one superintendent. Nevertheless, this pushed us to grow with one main objective in mind, supporting each customer with their very specific needs. Ten years later, we now count with a full working team of superintendents and a workshop with state-of-the-art machinery in order to be one sole solutions provider to each of locks, our client reported a miss of the main engine starting in our customers. Our workshop was built on this base in order to both motions (ahead and astern direction). In order to have the include services such as: engine maintenance (four-stroke and vessel back in complete running conditions, one Superintendent two-stroke),lathe machine & milling machine, fuel injection engineer, one service engineer and eight mechanics worked valves overhaul, fuel pumps maintenance,turbochargers continuously in two working shifts during the course of four maintenance, rotor balancing, welding works, honing of cylinder days. They completed the attendance with excellent results. The liners, top covers and components reconditioning. We are also satisfaction from our customer to have the vessel in complete certified to support with the maintenance of MET Turbocharges. running conditions is what we always strive for, serving with a solution-oriented mindset. Our commitment is 24/7, 365 days a In the third quarter of 2019, we managed to safely complete year working continuously for our customers. over 100 service jobs on board vessels and power plants. One highlight of our remarkable work took place during the month In MAN ES Panama, we proudly say that we provide each of August when we performed an emergency attendance on service with passion, making sure every need is covered and one vessel equipped with a two-Stroke main propulsion engine that all our customers feel we have not only a completed service 10K90 MC. While the vessel was transiting the Panama Canal but have intently worked together towards a common goal.
giving class and statutory services to of Belize), as well as the Panamanian Lalizas Panama S.A. – The franchise ships flying Panama, Belize, Honduras Ministry of Education, to conduct out for Panama and Central America was and Kiribati flags as Class Society, STCW78/95 course and assessment. To recently inaugurated, the well-known Recognised Organisation (RO) and respond to clients’ demands, the Group brand of maritime security articles: Recognised Security Organisation has built a strong business structure that Lalizas. The franchise seeks to expand (RSO) for the issuance of Class & includes a law firm, Panama Maritime the presence of products manufactured Statutory Certificates. ICS Class is a Lawyers & Co. The Group represents, in Europe within the competitive Latin classification society with headquarters as Deputy Registrars and Maritime American market. The Lalizas brand is located in Panama, Republic of Registrars, the following Maritime present in a large part of the commercial Panama. ICS Class is an independent Authorities: Panama, Belize, Bolivia, and recreational merchant fleet around and non-commercial organisation Honduras, Vanuatu and Sierra Leone. the world. In addition, the company carries out its classification activities also bets on its sister brands: Lofrans in an impartial and objective way in Three years ago, Intermaritime Group (Windlasses); Max Power (Thrusters); compliance with the ICS Class Rules launched its strategic partnership Ocean (defenses for yachts and small and Regulations. ICS Class Rules and with Marine and Cargo Reinsurance boats) and Nuova Rade (Manufacture Regulations set appropriate standards Broker Aquamercantile, the first of plastic articles for yachts). Lalizas is for the Classification and Construction reinsurance broker to be authorised by a company that manufactures maritime of Ships providing all the information the Superintendency of Insurance and equipment and has a presence in 127 needed for classification purposes. Reinsurance of Panama (Registration countries. The company maintains a Number ROC 002) specialising in Cargo leading position within the European Intermaritime Group has a training ‘Stock Throughput’, Marine Cargo, Maritime market with more than 36 centre Panama Maritime Training Marine Hull & Machinery including years of experience and being experts in Services (PMTS) with more than 15 years War Risks, Protection & Indemnity equipment for the rescue of life at sea. of experience, certified by the Panama as well as other marine liabilities, Maritime Authority and IMMARBE Oil Terminals and Port Facilities, Macosnar Corporation www.macosnar. (International Merchant Marine Registry Claims and Salvage Assistance 24/7. com – is a Panamanian RO, RSO,
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and classification society founded in 1995 by Capt Velasquez, to offer services of professional quality to the maritime community in an efficient and appropriate way. Such services are carried out with a highly experienced staff of engineers and naval architects which guarantee the performance of surveys and certifications according to the norms and regulations of the IMO.
Macosnar will soon celebrate its 25th Patricia Velasquez, gm of anniversary, which enhances its day to Macosnar and former president day commitment in maintaining and of the Chamber of Shipping developing a global coverage including the achievement of flag administrations customer needs. Furthermore, STCW trades: corrosion control and concrete recognition to satisfy its customer needs training, Vessel and Yacht Registration demolition with diamond tools. The always having present the safety of life at comprise the group of service companies company specialises in the surface sea, and the prevention of the pollution among others. The company is now preparation (grit blasting and 40,000 of marine environment. The organisation administrated by his daughter, Patricia psi ultra-high-pressure water blast) and is under a quality system ISO 9001:2008 Velasquez, an active member of WISTA painting of ship hulls, cargo, ballast, that also consolidates its constant International who became in 2018 the first fuels and water tanks. Marine equipment, improvement in the services delivered. woman to preside the Panama’s Chamber miter gates, caissons, piping, penstocks of Shipping. She was nominated for for hydroelectric dams, bridges and With head offices in Panama, Macosnar the WISTA Woman of the year Award, piers have been serviced and protected has established offices in Asia, Middle which will be chosen in November 2019. from corrosion by their company. East and South America and has a surveyor network of more than 35 Marine Metal Coatings Inc. is an Maritime Advisors & Developers Inc. representatives worldwide to attend their innovative company with two main (MAD Inc.) specialises in maritime
Panama Transshipment Group (PTG)
Panama Transshipment Group (PTG) www.ptg.com.pa a Narval employees’ commitment with its strategic partners, making company, has years of experience in the maritime, logistics available a wide range of logistics specialties oriented to satisfy and port industry of Panama. PTG has provided clients with any intermodal requirement. a multidisciplinary team who offers optimal services, through operation management in multiple cargo terminals. PTG also offers its customers a series of services including maintenance, repair, monitoring and handling of refrigerated ‘The socioeconomic model developed by PTG has transformed cargo: Starting from the connection and disconnection on board the connectivity between ports, yielding productivity and vessels, to specialised protocol container handling, to and from efficiencies for our clients, whilst positively impacting Panama’s the ship to the port terminal and vice versa. trucking community. The results have been evident to our customers, improving their supply chain and positioning PTG has a complete integrated intermodal platform with PTG as the ‘Number One’ company in the sector,’ says PTG a range of services for transit connections per channel: president, Mario Perez Balladares. Monitoring performance KPIs, tracking, paperwork, networking and connections. The technical staff has extensive operational Customers are the driving force behind PTG to work towards knowledge, allowing them to control the timing, contingencies constant innovation and better techniques and equipment. and efficiently directing the activities of the transhipment of ‘PTG’s most challenging project is not only to remain the best containers and achieve excellence in cargo handling. PTG is in the business, but to grow and consolidate the credibility also an authorised economic operator certified BASC. and trust deposited on us by our clients,’ he adds. ‘It has been our mission and value proposition to our customers which, for PTG has all the necessary special equipment (chassis, gen set, years, have guaranteed the success and prestige of PTG within low boy) to complement its comprehensive range of services the logistics, maritime and port sector.’ with off dock operations, by ensuring that dry, refrigerated, oversized containers and dangerous goods are provided with the Through its subsidiaries, PTG offers stevedoring services necessary equipment to optimally reach its logistics destination. for containers in a specialised level, contributing to the In addition to the technical team, PTG has a structured human strengthening of the major ports’ areas of the country. talent capable of responding to the needs of its customers 24 The company has developed a work pattern focused on its hours a day, seven days a week.
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and consulting services. Eng. Nicolas of tugboats, marine transport and meet the needs of its customers. Since Vukelja Duque with a 17 year-experience supply boats as well as a construction 1983 Oceanco Safety & Supply has in the sector is the managing director, company and other ventures. grown tremendously and now offers accompanied by his brothers. MAD Inc. delivery services and has warehouses is a member of Panama’s Chamber of National Shipping Adjusters (NASHA) strategically positioned close to the Shipping. Vukelja has been elected in (www.nashapanama.com) was founded main Pacific and Atlantic ports of June president of the Panama’s Chamber in 1985, as one of the first Recognised Panama to serve its customers. of Shipping for the period 2019-2020. Organisation (RO) and Classification Society. It is duly authorised by the Panama Maritime Group (PMG) The Meyer’s Group was founded in 2006. Panamanian Government to conduct headquartered in Panama, has over It emerged due to the market needs of statutory surveys, class and certification more than 200 representative offices having a company that generates trust, and offers a reliable, flexible and cost- around the world. PMG, a pioneer in service and quality, led by its founders’ effective service. The company operates the promotion of Panama’s maritime visionary ideas, whose goal is that of under ISO 9001-2008, in compliance sector, was created by Dr Hugo Torrijos satisfying the customers’ needs in Latin with IMO standards, national and Richa who left an important mark on America and the Caribbean. With over international regulations, these are a the maritime industry leading Panama to 10 years of experience in the maritime guarantee to offer a quality service. become the world’s largest Ship Registry sector, Meyer’s Group is projected as and presiding over Latin America’s one of the fastest growing companies Oceanco Safety & Supply was founded most successful port privatisation and and expansion in the Panamanian in 1983 as a supplier of safety equipment, transhipment programme in the 1990s. market, bringing together renowned marine paint and deck spares to the Dr Hugo Torrijos, one of the architects companies with business lines in Central & South American region. of Panama’s maritime boom, passed the area of land and sea transport, The company also established a fully away in December 2010 and his widow, construction and agro-industrial equipped internationally approved Life Magali de Torrijos has been successfully sector. It includes various companies Raft Service Station at the same time to managing PMG to maintain his legacy.
HullWiper opens first Americas operations base for the Panama Canal
fouling, instead of brushes or abrasives, minimising the risk of damage to expensive anti-fouling coatings.
No divers are used, so there is no risk to human life and cleaning can be conducted day or night, in most weather conditions, and whilst cargo operations are underway. Removed residues are collected by an onboard filter and deposited into dedicated drums onshore for locally-approved environmental disposal. The filter also reduces the risk of cross-pollination of waters with alien species.
‘Our ROV is a good fit to support the initiatives of the Panama Canal Authorities to provide a green solution for vessels in transit,’ said Simon Doran, HullWiper md. ‘Our system boosts Dubai-headquartered HullWiper Ltd announced it has opened vessel efficiency and fuel savings to reduce CO2 emissions.’ its first operations base in the Americas, in partnership with the leading provider of subsea services in Panama, Talleres ‘We are excited to introduce HullWiper in the Panama Canal Industriales S.A., to offer innovative and eco-friendly hull area,’ said Talleres Industriales managing director, Lino cleaning solution to the vessels transiting the Panama Canal. Arosemena. ‘Our company has been serving the area for half a century, and now more than 1,200 vessels we attend to every year The agreement is part of HullWiper’s global leasing programme will have the opportunity to use this new service. HullWiper’s introduced in 2017, which works with partners around the green credentials make it a good fit with other environmentally world to offer ship owners and operators an affordable, brush- friendly technologies in which Talleres has invested in recent and-diver-free alternative to traditional hull cleaning methods years, including sulphur cap solutions, ballast water system that protects both vessel hull coatings and the delicate marine installation and pollution control division,’ he added. ecosystem. The launch of HullWiper’s hull cleaning service [in the Panama Canal] is in response to growing demand for safe HullWiper now operates from ports in Sweden, Norway, hull cleaning solutions. Denmark, Singapore, Spain, The Netherlands, Egypt, Australia, UK, UAE and – on an ad hoc basis – at key locations across the HullWiper’s patented Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) system Middle East. New operations in Mauritius are coming in 2019 and uses adjustable seawater jets under variable pressure to remove is available for lease where HullWiper does not have its own base.
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where they can manage SSAS alerts, flag tests, and verify compliance with the ISPS Code. In addition, the time- consuming task of managing the SSAS test schedules will be automated, allowing the AMP to significantly improve the efficiency of this process.
All the company’s products are supported by a 24/7, ‘follow the sun’ support infrastructure fluent in over 20 languages and located throughout its global office footprint. Pole Star is a local company in every market they serve. All staff adheres to strict quality assurance practices, PMG, one of the first groups in Panama Risk Mitigation and Ship Security Alert which have allowed the company to to offer a comprehensive one-roof Service (SSAS) Management of the fleet. obtain ISO9001:2008 certification. solution to the maritime community, includes the companies Panama Maritime The new vessel monitoring centre is Pole Star is a privately-owned company Documentation Services Inc. (PMDS) based in Panama City and manned by headquartered in London with offices a Recognised Organisation authorised trained staff on a 24x7x365 basis. Panama in Panama, Singapore, Hong Kong by the Registers of Panama and Belize is the first flag state to implement such and Sydney. They have been providing to perform surveys and statutory a broad range of Maritime Domain ship-centric monitoring, regulatory certification to all type of vessels, Awareness (MDA) capabilities under a compliance & risk management services Torrijos & Asociados (T&A), a Law single platform. This new standard of to the shipping industry since 1998. Firm specialised in ship registrations excellence clearly sets a precedent for Their suite of services includes remote company incorporation, crew licenses other flag states who will wish to keep fleet monitoring, risk management, and legal consultancy, among others and up-to-date with increasing safety and sanctions and compliance screening, ship Marine Training and Certification Centre compliance requirements for their fleet. security, Long Range Identification and (MTCC) a centre of seafarers formation The AMP is fully LRIT compliant yet Tracking (LRIT), fisheries monitoring and training, following the requirements it continues to enhance its capabilities. services and much more. They are established by the STCW Convention. The next phase sees the AMP increase widely acknowledged as one of the The Group incorporated PMDS Class in their maritime safety proposition by leading providers in their field. Pole Star 2012, for which specialised staff was hired. extending the safety and security scope support over 100 governments (including of their current system. This will LRIT data centres for 46 maritime Panama Lifeboat Services S.A. (www. incorporate similar MDA tools for the administrations and ship registries) and panamalifeboat.com) was established in non-SOLAS vessels operating within the more than 1,100 commercial shipping Panama in August 2010, and represents Panamanian territorial waters, including operations directly or through their lifeboats and davits manufactures small fishing, leisure vessels, service global distribution network. In total, to respond to customers’ needs in vessels, commercial and industrial fishing the company tracks more than 40,000 that area who require a reliable and vessels, fuel transfer vessels, and vessels ships, almost half the world’s fleet. professional staff to perform the operating within maritime concessions. annual and five yearly inspections on Panama Transshipment Group their equipment’s according IMO and The Panama flag is the first flag state to (PTG) has years of experience in the SOLAS rules and regulations, including implement a comprehensive Sanctions maritime, logistics and port industry Gangways & ALP Inspections, fibre- and Compliance system for all the vessels of Panama. PTG has provided clients glass repairs and Load testing’s. flying the Panama flag. The new Vessel with a multidisciplinary team who offers Vetting system will also allow the flag’s optimal services, through operation Pole Star Space Applications Limited Port State officials to deploy a Port Risk management in multiple cargo terminals. (www.polestarglobal.com) is proud to Mitigation plan for all the country's support the world’s largest ship registry, ports. The system will alert the AMP of Panama Transshipment Group, through AMP in what is widely considered to any vessel subject to existing sanctions its subsidiaries, offers stevedoring services be the world’s largest vessel monitoring and embargoes, and if the vessel for containers in a specialised level, centre, managing over 8,000 SOLAS carries any risks relating to terrorism, contributing to the strengthening of the class vessels. In addition to the provision war zones, or infectious disease. major ports’ areas of the country. The of fully outsourced Long-Range- company has developed a work pattern Identification and Tracking (LRIT) From a vessel security and piracy focused on its employees’ commitment services, Pole Star provides non-SOLAS counter-measures perspective, the AMP with its strategic partners, making vessel monitoring, Vessel Vetting, will be deploying a real-time Ship available a wide range of logistics Sanctions Compliance Screening, Port Security and Alert (SSAS) platform specialties oriented to satisfy any
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Marine Metal Coatings, Inc. (MMC)
It's been over 30 years since Robert Novey Diez first brought the diamond bit drill technology to Panama. Initially, to remove large masses of concrete as part of the locks reconditioning programme for the then Panama Canal Commission. This opened the way for his companies to expand on importing innovative demolition technologies for selective concrete with diamond tools, corrosion control of steel structures, and abatement of hazardous substances, such as lead paint, asbestos, and hydrocarbons.
Since 1985, Marine Metal Coatings, Inc. (MMC) has participated in numerous pilot projects with the Panama Canal. Some outstanding such as the accesses on the locks central wall, for the installation of elevators that would transport personnel painting, grit blasting, water blasting, hot coal tar application, to a depth of 60 feet and back. It was done by demolishing confined spaces, asbestos and lead paint abatement. enormous masses of concrete, using diamond wire saws for the first time in Panama. During the construction of the third set of locks, MMC technology was hired to strengthen the concrete sill between In the corrosion control area, MMC is pioneer in the use of the lower and middle chambers. It was necessary to drill ultrahigh pressure water blasting (UHPWB) and recyclable steel through the thick rebar on the surface of these structures, grit as an alternative to the traditional grit. This technology to enable the concrete drilling machines to reach the depths allows for zero dust emissions using recyclable grit, avoiding required for the repairs and reinforcement of the concrete. sand waste generated from the traditional sandblasting operations, with consequent ecological and health benefits. Most recently, MMC has removed lead-based paint and mould from the ceiling concrete slab in an office building; again, Another contribution to the environment was working diverse applying upscale techniques to ensure adequate removal of the techniques of specialised painting, MMC introduced the use contaminants. Just the same in applying safety controls during of industrial dust collectors which capture emissions in all the cleaning of fuel storage tanks at VOPAK Terminal. activities performed, and of dehumidifiers to control humidity and temperature. Thus, guaranteeing that the environmental MMC focuses on quality and safety in completing all projects. conditions are optimal when applying the surface coatings. Our team of engineers, foremen and specialised technical workers is continuously trained in the latest technology within Today, Marine Metal Coatings, Inc. is formed by their respective fields, following the legacy of MMC's founder. an experienced multidisciplinary team to include electromechanical, civil, safety, and industrial engineers, a MMC is an active member of international recognised complete safety team formed by industrial hygienist and organisations, such as NACE (National Association of Corrosion safety officers, SSPC certified quality control inspectors, and Engineers), SSPC (The Society for Protective Coating) and field personnel specialised in concrete demolition, industrial CSDA (Coring, Sawing and Drilling Association).
intermodal requirement. PTG also offers South America and the Caribbean. parts for the brands being served. its customers a series of services including maintenance, repair, monitoring and The facility of Raytheon Anschuetz RTI Latin America (www.rtiforensics. handling of refrigerated cargo: Starting Panama is located close to the Panama com) is a subsidiary of RTI Group, from the connection and disconnection Canal and in decent proximity to the a global company headquartered in on board vessels, to specialised protocol airport, enabling fast access to perform Annapolis, Maryland and regional container handling, to and from the ship maintenance or repair tasks for ships offices in London, California, Bahrain to the port terminal and vice versa. passing the Panama Canal as well as in and Panama. RTI offers a wide range of the whole region. It has acquired the forensic engineering services, particularly Raytheon Anschütz, the German activities of High Sea Support (HSS) the design and implementation navigation system manufacturer Panama. Since its establishment in 2000 of risk-based safety management Raytheon Anschütz has established its as a subsidiary of the Danish company systems. RTI is a pioneering accident new subsidiary Raytheon Anschuetz Hans Buch A/S, HSS has been providing and failure investigation and safety Panama S. de R.L., in Panama sales and service in Panama not only management consultancy – serving City. The new company acts as the for Raytheon Anschütz equipment, high risk industries, including utilities, regional customer support and service but also for other navigation and multimodal transportation, oil and coordination centre, including service communication companies. The facility gas, construction, hydroelectric and training capabilities and a large spare of Raytheon Anschuetz Panama contains mining, maritime administrations parts depot for Panama, Middle and a workshop and a warehouse with spare and the legal and insurance markets.
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POLLUTION CONTROL Ocean Pollution Control S.A (OPC) (www.oceanpollution.net) is a Panamanian response company which is operating in Panama as mandated by a 20-year contract with the Panama Maritime Authority. The company has operating bases in Panama (Pacific side) and Colon (Caribbean side). OPC has all required marine equipment and shore installations to respond to oil spills, recover contaminants and provide final disposition to contaminants and Capt. Orlando Allard is the president Heavy Equipment, Agricultural material employed in its recovery. It of RTI Latin America, which was Machinery and Energetic industry. has opened new offices in Honduras established in Panama City since 2008. and Guatemala in 2008 and before the It represents in the Marine business, end of 2008, OPC added Costa Rica With origins dating back to 1975, RTI brands such as Yanmar Marine to its offshore business with a basic expert witness and high-risk industries (Commercial, Light Duty Commercial response centre in Puerto Limon. accident investigation services also and Pleasure engines), Hamilton include material testing laboratories, Jet, ZF Marine Transmission and Previously in 2005, OPC formed a root cause analysis, risk assessment, VETUS marine accessories, and is partnership in Nicaragua where it began development of risk matrix and the distributor of Yamaha outboards, operations providing environmental mitigation controls and multimedia motorcycles and ATV’s from Japan. services to oil companies, including accident animation and reconstruction. soil remediation and land farming Magic Motion Studios, another integral PILOTAGE just outside Managua, the capital of part of RTI Group, provides graphics Caribbean Pilots was created at end-2007 Nicaragua. OPC keeps investing in animation and accident reconstruction to provide pilotage services to the ports newer equipment and developing services and Anamet Inc., and the established in the bay of Manzanillo, other services which include oily water laboratories in California, provide Colon and ship owners and liners calling and slop removal from vessels calling material analysis and testing. The Colon Container Terminal (CCT), Panama as required by the MARPOL RTI office in London deals primarily Manzanillo International Terminal agreement. OPC concession is coming with risk, safety management and (MIT) and Colon Port Terminal (CPT). to an end and an international tender maritime issues and the Bahrain branch The company has 11 eleven pilots, will be called before the end of 2018. provides security and safety services some of them working as pilots at the in the Gulf and Middle East region. Panama Canal Authority (ACP). The Talleres Industriales Pollution Control Division was created to fill SETIMSA Group is a Panamanian Panama Pilots Services Co. (PPSC) a need and provides a response to company with 20 years of experience (www.panamapilot.com) is the oldest Panama maritime industry’s spill in the development of projects in the company providing this type of service. market. Talleres Industriales obtained port sector at national and international Founded 20 years ago, Panama Pilots a spill-control licence from the Panama level. It has professionals with over Services includes Quality Action Club, Maritime Authority early 2018 and had 30 years of experience in the sector. Pilsemar S.A. and Practicos Unidos immediately invested in equipment, The company began operations in de Panama, each company having its gears and training programmes. 1997, when the President and Founder, own history. Quality Action Club was Eng. Gabriel Araya Ahumada, with created by a group of pilots working for ‘Bringing a new offer to the stakeholders great vision, found a niche at a time Panama Refinery and the port of Coco in our area by using all the existing when private operation of container Solo, while Practicos Unidos de Panama resources of a 50-year institution, terminals was just starting in Panama. was formed by a group of small vessels’ made sense to our management and pilots and Pilsemar, was created in directors,’ says Lino Arosemena, ceo of TESA is a Panamanian company 1995 by a team of pilots working at the Talleres Industriales. ‘Now we are able founded in 1963 which began as a Panama Canal. When the Manzanillo to confirm that we are full equipped at transportation company but due to the International Terminal (MIT) began both sides of the canal,’ said Arosemena. necessity of the business, the company operations in 1995, the three companies started with the distribution of parts decided to join efforts to offer the first Talleres will provide comprehensive and equipment related to the business. ever-privately-owned container port in emergency response services to all the With over 55 year of experience, Panama, pilotage service to MIT’s new ports in Panama as well as bunker it is involved in different segments larger and bigger vessels. PPSC provides operations and vessels transiting the of the economy such as the Marine service on a 24/7 basis which requires Panama Canal. Talleres owns and Commercial and Pleasure, Automobile, to have pilots available all the time. operates a vast amount of specialised-
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oil-spill response equipment and Associated Steamship Agents (www. Europe, the US and the major shipping vessels pre-positioned throughout shipagents.com) is considered the ‘dean’ capitals of the Far East and four offices the Panama Canal to attend any of shipping agencies, having operated located in the country, two at each incidents on a 24/7 basis. in the country for nearly 120 years. The terminal of the canal with the capability original owner Capt. William Andrews to provide full agency services at all PORT SERVICES opened an office in the Atlantic city ports within the Republic of Panama. The Panama Maritime Group Port & of Colon in 1889, the same year the CB Fenton has a large clientele of cruise Cargo Co., began operations in 2004. French Compagnie Universelle du lines. Since October 2010, C.B.Fenton The company is considered the first Canal Interoceanique ceased operations & Co has moved its headquarters in labour outsourcing company in Panama. in Panama. Since then, and through Panama-Pacifico, at the International It started offering stevedoring and port purchases, mergers and name changing, Business Park, Las Brujas Ave. Building workers to Evergreen’s Colon Container the company has developed into the A, Suite 210, the former Howard Air Terminal (CCT) on the Atlantic coast, present organisation which maintains Force base transformed into an economic marked the introduction of outsourcing offices at Balboa and Cristobal, where development area. It was purchased in the maritime industry in Panama. operations departments work 24/7, by the Chilean Company Ultramar responding to the needs of the agency which has retained its brand name. Tecniport New Mindi Port Development principals from around the world who use Corp, was formed in 2008 and represents the Panama Canal and Panamanian ports. GAC-Panama – GAC Group has Capacity Trucks of Texas (COT), announced in October 2018 the opening Cummins Engines, Allison Transmission Associated Steamship Agents are of an owned-office in Panama as and Terex Port Equipment in Panama. also agents for Lloyd’s of London part of its growth strategy across the It provides services to all Capacity and undertake hull and machinery Americas region; the office will provide Trucks located in Panama and provides surveys on behalf of underwriters a wide range of shipping services to servicing, warrant support, full technical from Europe, the US and the Far East. vessels calling at Panamanian ports or solutions and sales of OEM parts. It is Associated Steamship Services, together transiting the Panama Canal. Panama’s the only authorised dealer for Capacity with Wilford & McKay, Fernie and strategic location and having the US Trucks; Terex Port Equipment and Gateway Transit, has formed a strategic as its most important trading partner Allison Transmission in Panama and alliance. The business remains largely make it a natural extension of GAC in also serves as non-exclusive dealer for dominated by domestic agencies that the Americas region and the Panama Cummins Engines. It has 67 technicians. offer experience and know how. It office will offer a suite of services represents shipping lines and cruise lines. including traditional ship agency, SHIPPING AGENCIES specialised husbandry, ship spares The sector of Shipping Agencies has C.B. Fenton & Co. (www.cbfenton.com) delivery, crew matters and repairs. been transformed and seen their activity is one of the oldest shipping agencies reduced, many have joined in alliances established in Panama. It represents Heading up the GAC Panama operations or mergers and redirected their activities more than 100 ship owning companies is Alexei Oduber, a 27-year industry offering a variety of other services. throughout the world, with agents in veteran well versed in all aspects
Norton Lilly Panama
Norton Lilly International, founded in 1841 and headquartered At the Panama Canal, their core services include co-ordination in Mobile, Alabama, is the largest agency in North America, of canal transits, transit booking applications, local port operating a unified network of ports offices in the region calls and cargo operations including cargo transhipment, including Panama, Mexico, the United States, Canada, the bunkering activities, and all aspects of vessel husbandry needs Caribbean, Venezuela and the Pacific Islands (Hawaii, Guam, including crew changes, delivery of spare parts and provisions, and Saipan). vessel surveys and repairs. Their operations are staffed 24 hours, including a dedicated ship management services Norton Lilly Panama, a subsidiary of Norton Lilly International, team responsible for the co-ordination of crew changes and has been proudly serving the international shipping community preparation of crew visas. at the Panama Canal and surrounding ports for over 94 years since opening their first office on the Isthmus in 1925. ‘We recognise the importance of delivering first class operational performance on the ground and in the ports which we are With more than 100 employees and offices in Panama City able to deliver through a team of knowledgeable and caring and Colon, Norton Lilly Panama attends approximately 18% of professionals. We consistently strive for excellence by providing overall canal traffic including 27% of all Neopanamax vessels. our services with expertise, innovation, and understanding in The company provides agency services to all vessel types order to meet and exceed our customers’ needs. Always aiming including passenger ships, LPG, LNG, container, car carrier, dry to improve our performance while remaining consistent with our and liquid bulk, reefer cargos, project cargo & heavy lift, and five core values: Learning, Integrity, Fun, Excellence, and Safety,’ military ships. says Norton Lily Panama president Joe Walden.
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of the shipping industry as well as to master to enable the responsible Other shipping agencies established in freight forwarding in the Panama person to settle directly with local Panama include Agencias Continental, Canal. Previously, GAC used a GAC suppliers and advances of wages Barwill Agencies, C. Fernie & Co., network agent for vessels in Panama. to the crew. In addition, it can co- Cross Road Agencies, Norton Lilly ordinate classification surveys, statutory International Panama, Pacific Agent Inchcape Shipping Services-Panama surveys, ISM and ISPS audits with the Ship Panama, Panama Agency Co., (www.iss-shipping.com) is a leading main Class Societies (IACS members) PanCanal Shipping Agency, Sopisco, provider of agency services in Panama and other recognised organisations Wilford & Mc Kay, Unigreen Marine and in Central America where it authorised by most flag states. and Setimsa and many more. represents several shipping lines and navies and provides one of the best Rozo & Cia (Panama) S.A. (www. SHIP REPAIR examples of the integration of a local therozogroup.com) is part of the The ship repair sector is seen as one of company into a group of worldwide Rozo Group which is composed of the most promising amongst auxiliary reach. Inchcape Shipping Services- Jaime Rozo Gomez & Cia Ltd, ship businesses of the maritime sector. Panama roots go back to the Pacific chandlers founded in 1961, Rozo & Cia However, the problem is a lack of space Steam Navigation Company (PSNC), Ltd, maritime agents (1989), Rozo y Cia to expand activities. Many international which began operations in the Gulf of (Panama) S.A., ship agents (1997) and, ship repair companies are looking at Panama in 1845. After the construction Overseas Ship Suppliers Corp., general Panama to install shop and companies of the Panama Canal, PSNC opened ship chandler at the Panama Canal, in already in place are hunting for land its offices in the Atlantic Terminal, Panama since 2001 which offers services to build new facilities. Panamanian Colon and was represented by the Ford of shipping agency and supply services authorities are keen to develop the Company in balboa in 1961, when the two in Cristobal and Balboa, Manzanillo sector trying to list areas where new companies merged creating Pacific-Ford. International Terminal, Chiriqui Grande, facilities could be established. Most Almirante and Bahia Las Minas. ship repairs (besides the shipyards In 1984, the company joined with already operating) are done afloat and Inchcape Shipping Services and The Rozo Group offers quality service in ship repair installations, on land. completed its union with the company to meet the goals and objectives of its in 1995, becoming Inchcape Shipping clients since it will always go the extra Beyond the existing players, others have Services, S.A. ISS-Panama City provides mile to ensure that the specific needs been attracted by the Canal expansion full husbandry services to vessels of its clients are fulfilled to the best of and its opportunities, such as Wärtsilä transiting the Panama Canal or calling their interest. Expertise, availability of that opened shop in Panama in 2007. The at Panamanian ports and anchorages. Its resources, and supervision of personnel, company, which is installed in Panama- experienced bilingual operations team allows Rozo & Cia (Panama) S.A. to Pacifico, the former Howard US air force have an excellent working knowledge perform an excellent service and easier base, is servicing its main customers, of local marine regulations, and utilise handling of port operations from which include the Panama Canal this expertise to save vessel time and vessel’s arrival to departure. Since being tugboats and other private companies. established in 1961 with its first company Panama Shipping Agency & Services Jaime Rozo Gomez & Cia in Cartagena, Panama-Pacifico has seen several (PSAS) was created in 2010 but its Colombia, it has developed into one companies offering this type of services principals have been involved in the of the leading shipping companies coming to the economic-free zone shipping industry for more than a of the north coast of Colombia and located in the former US Howard decade. The company is authorised since 2001 has expanded its services Air Force base, which provides ware- to operate as ‘port agent’ in any port to the ports of Panama. By aiming houses for repairs and spare parts. of Panama and is recognised as a to provide the best possible services, shipping agency by the ACP for vessel the Rozo Group has gained a well- The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) transit purposes. PSAP also provides known reputation as reliable agents Fleets and Equipment Maintenance services of chandlery. The agency acts and ship chandlers for ships of all Division executes all repairs to the as a ship manager providing cash kinds, offering service on a 24/7 basis. Panama Canal's tugboats, barges,
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Panama Maritime Documentation Services (PMDS)
Thirty years have elapsed since the inauguration of Panama Maritime Documentation Services (PMDS) www. panamamaritime.com making it the leading company in the provision of ship inspection and certification services to the international maritime community.
Currently, under the leadership of ceo Magali de Torrijos and a qualified operational and technical team, PMDS has developed several projects in tune with the globalisation of the international maritime market, which includes obtaining recognition from Maritime Administrations such as Panama, Belize, MSA China, Mongolia, Dominica, Honduras and Ecuador, to offer alternatives to its clients in the different Panama Maritime Group also provides maritime training geographical areas where its more than 100 exclusive inspectors service to seafarers through the Marine Training and are located. Certification Centre (MTCC) (www.mtccpanama.com). For more than 14 years, MTCC has made significant investments PMDS maintains exclusive offices in Fuzhou, China, and in the modernisation of its maritime training centre with Vietnam to meet the needs of the Asian market, the main client the acquisition of deck simulators, machines and GMDSS of the Panamanian Merchant Marine. TRANSAS, which allows to expand training services at the Headquarters, led by a team of authorised teachers for PMDS is part of the Panama Maritime Group. The companies an academic offer that has reached more than 35 training that make up the group provide a variety of associated services, programmes to date. MTCC also has branches of great such as the registration of ships through the Law Firm Torrijos recognition located in India, Ukraine and recently in Greece, & Asociados (www.torrijos-asociados.com), who with 25 years increasing the presence in cities of important demands for of experience and a specialised legal team, is a prominent legal training services. firm in flagging under Panama and representing other Maritime Administrations in their capacity as Deputy Registrar (Office These 30 years of challenges, goals and achievements would No. 85) of Belize. During these years, T&A has promoted not have been possible without the confidence placed by the the incorporation of companies through Panamanian, Belize, Maritime Administrations, our clients, inspectors, management, Liberia, BVI and Marshall Island legislations, thus providing a technical and operational personnel at the Headquarters and its complete offer to ship owners, who opt for this comprehensive branches and all those that in some way, contribute to make of service under the highest standards in compliance with national Panama Maritime Group, one of the most dynamic and efficient and international regulations. groups in the sector.
launches, dredges, floating cranes, the US Panama Canal Company which redesigned, and repaired tug boats, spillway and locks gates and mechanical used it extensively. The shipyard has two supply boats, barges and many other flow control devices, land based heavy docks: dock 14, 221.15mtr-long; and dock types of floating equipment used in equipment, and machinery and the 15, 270mtr-long. Both docks can handle Panama’s maritime industry. The yard is vehicle’s fleet at its shipyard and other vessels with a draught up to 10.5mtr. In able to do repairs both on land or afloat. industrial and marine repair facilities addition, the division has a synchro-lift throughout the Canal's operating areas. with a capacity of 1,720 metric tonnes The facilities include: a marine railway, that lifts and transfers vessels and with a maximum capacity of 8 vessels It’s also responsible for fleet management locks gates from the water into its eight at a time and beds able to hold up and the capital programme of the repair areas for servicing. Additionally, to 600-tonne vessels; an engine shop Panama Canal, for the systematic dock and synchro-lift space are rented for repairing, overhauling of engines process of developing, acquiring, to maximise the facilities utilisation such a Caterpillar, Detroit Diesel, maintaining, upgrading, and and support the local commercial and Cummins; a machine shop and disposing cost-effectively of all the emerging ship repairs industry. equipment used for aligning, forging and assets in the Panama Canal fleets. manufacturing metal pieces with lathes, Astillero Bayano www.astillerobayano. drills, presses; a carpentry shop with The historical shipyard dry dock, located com at the Port of Coquira, on the all the wood and equipment necessary at Mount Hope on the Atlantic side, Bayano River, just 23 nautical miles for doing any type of woodwork, was built by the French Compagnie east of the Panama Canal’s Balboa from hull construction and repair, to Interoceanique du Canal de Panama entrance, is able to service the local detailed cabin finishes; a sand blasting in 1886, as testifies an engraving on the growing industry, at international quality & painting shop with sand blasting walls. It was expanded in the 1930s by standards. Astillero Bayano has built, equipment and all types of marine
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SAAM SMIT tugs at Manzanillo International Terminal SHIPPING SERVICES
and epoxy paints; fuel tanks for supply on all kinds of vessels. The company displacements, launches co-ordination, of diesel fuel and lubricants; marine provides services for a wide range of loading and unloading materials, tools chandlery containing a wide variety of clients from Panama and overseas and and personnel in both locations of the replacements for basic vessel equipment is certified by ABS, BV, and DNV GL. Atlantic and Pacific anchorages as it is and a 200ft-dock suitable for loading The new division of Underwater Repairs always an opportunity for the vessels and unloading, as well as afloat repairs. attends hull cleanings, CCTV inspections, awaiting transit at the Panama Canal propeller polishing, anodes renewals and to use waiting time for afloat repairs. The PMS Group (www.msupply.com. special diving works. The operations pa) comprises Professional Manpower are done with correct procedures, The Balboa Shipyard marked its 100th Supply, Professional Diving Services experienced personnel and safety and anniversary in 2016 since the Panamanian and Professional Ship Suppliers. knowledge with guarantee their success. facility began operations a year after the inauguration of the Panama Canal as an Professional Manpower Supply S.A. Professional Manpower Supply offers extension of the Panama Canal Company. (PMS) has a team of technicians, a series of services that include steel The shipyard is located on the waterway engineers and staff with more than 20 repairs; pre-docking; commercial diving; Pacific side entrance, next to the port years of experience in the ship repair mechanical repairs; sandblasting, water- of Balboa and was built last century business. The company’s main works blasting and painting; tank cleaning; by the US Panama Canal Company. involve repairs and maintenance of electric repairs; a/c repairs; steel pre- ships including afloat repairs, on dock, fabrication; crane services; launch Balboa’s facilities include Dry Dock 3 dry-docking, marine structures and services; voyage repairs; thermographic with a length of 70mtr, Dry Dock 2 with industrial repairs as well as underwater analysis and non-destructive testing, a length of 130mtr, and Dry Dock 1 with repairs. PMS’s fully equipped and amongst others. The team also specialises a length of 318mtr and a capacity to hold well-maintained facilities located in the in a-float repairs with complete logistics a Panamax-vessel, without mentioning Panama Canal area, allow marine repairs as pier movements, mobile crane the two docks for quayside repairs.
Talleres Industriales S.A. (TISA): Celebrating Half-Century in the Shipping Industry
Talleres Industriales S.A. (TISA) is a Panamanian company, around 1,200 vessels a year, round-the-clock, all 365 days. founded in 1969, with 50 years of experience in the ship repair industry in Panama and Latin America. Talleres Industriales With each passing year, the Company's responsibility grows. services more than 1,200 boats a year through steel, electrical Fifty years is a very significant number for any company, much and mechanical repairs, painting and commercial diving. more so for us, since we compete internationally with European and Asian companies, in a country of less than 4m inhabitants. We are also committed to salvage and spill control operations. This is a source of pride for each one of our collaborators, We are prepared with different types of floating equipment managers and directors. (supply boats, barges, launches, floating cranes) and workshops at both ends of the Panama Canal. Currently, with more than 200 employees, Talleres Industriales is more than a company; it is a family where we can find up to Talleres Industriales grew from a human-centric vision, with three working generations of welders, mechanics, divers, and a desire to offer opportunities to its collaborators throughout electricians, among others. All collaborators are a crucial part five decades. The experience mixed with continuous learning in the operation of this 'ship hospital ER (emergency room)', developed into the specialisation of inspections and repairs on where they have to be prepared to engage in any scenario, 24/7, board and underwater, on both sides of the Canal. Assisting year-round.
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Equipment includes three Potain tower over 18 countries in the Americas and ‘The partnership between Boskalis and cranes, as well as two refurbished 45 Caribbean and is owner and operators SAAM has been very productive: In just tonne cranes that are original hardware of 13 floating equipment – supply boats, over four years, we have consolidated from the shipyard and one mobile crane deck barges, crane barges, diving boats, our leadership position in Panama by with a capacity to pick up 66 tonnes. Also crew boat in Panama and Colombia. TI utilizing equipment coming available included in the original hardware from is located on both sides of the Panama from our region, and thereby providing the shipyard are the main pumps that Canal with two workshops and a Branch a quick and fitting solution to our are used to fill up the dry docks. Other office at Cartagena, Colombia. All the customers. Today we see towage is the hardware has been purchased for the equipment, including underwater, core business of SAAM, which is focussed operation such as; cherry-pickers, forklifts, welding and lifeboats are certified. on remaining a true market leader and bobcats, ultra-high-pressure washers, this allows us to continue providing vents, etc. Today, the shipyard enjoys a TOWAGE excellence service in the Americas with particular good location for the vessels SAAM SMIT Towage Panama has a modern fleet and quality services. transiting the Panama Canal which need operated in Panama since 1986, and We see we are able to add value to our repairs. The Panama Maritime Authority operates now in all terminals on both customers from this dedicated group,’ will soon call an international tender sides of the canal, including Manzanillo said Walter Van der Dussen, md of for the administration of the shipyard. International Terminal (MIT), Colon SAAM SMIT Towage Panama Inc. Container Terminal (CCT), Cristobal and Talleres Industriales (TI) was founded Balboa and PSA-Panama in Rodman. In SAAM SMIT Towage Panama is the 50 years ago and is now led by the second addition, SAAM SMIT Towage entered market leader in harbour and terminal generation of the Arosemena family. into a long-term exclusive contract with towage in Panama, its position on both In 1969, Engineer Rafael Arosemena Petroterminal de Panama in Puerto sides of the Panama Canal and its founded the company along with Ricardo Armuelles, providing two powerful versatile fleet of modern tugs enables the Husband, Ricardo Williamson (deceased), tugs for tankers calling their terminal company to be present in all the segments Gustavo Castro (deceased), and Eloy and is the towage provider of Punta of the towage market in Panama: Mining, Williamson. Lino Arosemena, the Rincon International Terminal, the Oil, LNG, container and projects. ‘The youngest son of Rafael Arosemena, is now dedicated port of Cobre-Panama, the approach with our customers is to focus the md. With a BA in management and copper mine that began operations on offering innovative and value-added economy and graduate studies at Harvard early 2019. There, on June of 2019, SST solutions, always taking advantage of Business School, Lino Arosemena began Panama assisted the first exportation our regional coverage and our local working at TI in 1993 and since then, of copper concentrate in Panama. knowledge, providing the client with has promoted its growth and expansion a fit for purpose solution,’ said Matia by implementing new strategies. The company was initially a Joint De Luiggi, commercial manager of venture between SMIT and SAAM, SAAM SMIT Towage Panama Inc. Talleres Industriales is amongst the in February 2019, Royal Boskalis largest and most prestigious ship repair Westminster N.V. (Boskalis), the Compañía Maritima de Panama www. companies in Latin America. It has a main shareholder of SMIT signed cmpgb.com through its subsidiary highly skilled and dedicated work force an agreement with SAAM relating Tug Services Panama (TSP) is the of over 400 employees, led by experienced to the sale and purchase of the operator of a fleet of tugboats placed and dedicated engineers and managers. equity stake held by Boskalis on both sides of the Panama Canal. The company performs repair works in in SAAM SMIT Towage. TSP operates throughout the Pacific coast, the Atlantic coast, in the Caribbean region and up and down the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of South and Central America and the West Indies. During its years of operation, Tug Services Panama has performed salvage work, escort service, towage, docking/undocking and practically any service where a tug is needed.
The Canal expansion has put Panama in the spotlight of the world maritime sector and Chile in particular. Proof of the interest of Chilean companies to generate synergy with local companies and take advantage of the opportunities is the decision of the Chilean company CPT Empresas Marítimas, SA to establish a regional Hub in Panama
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to provide tugboat service in Central regional tugboat operations centre is terminals in Bahamas, Canada, America and the Caribbean. Haral being developed to provide services in Chile, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Rosenqvist, president of CPT Empresas Central America and the Caribbean. Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Trinidad Maritimas, SA, said that the company, & Tobago and Venezuela. with more than 100 years of existence, SVITZER (www.svitzer.com) a wholly is in process of regional expansion. owned subsidiary of the A.P. Moller- In the Americas SVITZER operates CPT Empresas maritimas has a Maersk Group, has been on the forefront more than 55 tugs. The tugs operated presence in Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, of specialised marine services for more by Svitzer, basically are large tugs of Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama. than 175 years. A fleet of more than 500 65 tonnes bollard pull and 85 tonnes vessels worldwide makes SVITZER a bollard pull. But tugs of smaller In Panama, the company has a joint global market leader within towage, or bigger size can also be provided investment with Meyer's Group salvage and emergency response. based on needs of SVIZTER clients through which it provides tug services in the Americas region In Panama, in Colon Container Terminal (CCT), SVITZER’s regional office in the SVITZER Panama with a contract with Bahía Las Minas and the Melones Americas, located in Miami, Florida, Petroterminal de Panama, operates area. However, at the moment a is responsible for serving ports and one tug on their Atlantic terminal. • SAAM Towage Division
SAAM is a towage services leader in the Americas and the fourth-largest global stakeholder. It provides traditional docking and undocking, assistance, salvage and towage services, oil and natural gas platform positioning and anchorage, as well specialised vessel services at offshore terminals. With a 75% Azimuth stern drive tug fleet that provides superior manoeuvrability, operating safety and speed, SAAM operates in nine countries at over 70 ports throughout the Americas and is the leader in most of the markets where it provides services.
‘On February we signed a deal with Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V. (Boskalis) to acquire its interest in the two joint operations we formed in 2014 for tugboat operations in Brazil, Mexico, Panama and Canada. The transaction is valued at $201m and operate, safe and reliable services to our clients. SAAM Towage is waiting for the approval of the regulatory authorities,’ said Division reported stable results in the first quarter of 2019 SAAM ceo Macario Valdes. when compared to the ones of last year. The industry is facing increasing challenges and we expect to successfully overcome ‘This is an industry that is highly fragmented. Therefore, in this cycle with an efficient and lean operation,’ he said. an increasingly global world and with more concentrated customers, we believe that the consolidation trend will SAAM’s first tug with ecological emissions certification, continue,’ he added. Tsmishian Warrior, began operations May 28, at the Ridley Island Propane Export Terminal (RIPET) in Canada, owned by ‘Our goal is to consolidate our leadership in the Americas, the Canadian company Altagas – leader in energy infrastructure capitalise expansion opportunities and provide, wherever we in North America – and the Dutch firm Vopak.
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106 PMR19 Patton Moreno 1 30/10/2019 12:12 LEGAL SERVICES
Specialists in corporate and maritime business Well renowned services
anamanian lawyers have, corporations. In particular, law 41 of Joaquin De Obarrio (Patton, Moreno & for more than a century, August 24, 2007 gives a series of legal and Asvat); deputy secretary Alexis Herrera specialised in maritime affairs tax incentives to multinational firms and (Icaza, Gonzalez Ruiz y Aleman); but with a series of legislations corporation relocating their headquarters treasurer María Lourdes Galan (De Pthat promoted the services economy, in Panama and thus creating growing Castro & Robles); deputy treasurer and they have become well renowned for demand for legal services. Francisco Linares (Morgan & Morgan), their corporate and fiscal savvy taking former president and consultant. their know-how beyond the borders of Ports, cargo and transport companies as Panama by opening offices in the main well as ancillary activities have increased Every two years the PMLA capitals of Asia, Europe and the US. the maritime sector and Panamanian law alternating in co-ordination with firms have, therefore, become specialists the Chamber of Shipping organise a Two important legislations gave birth in corporate and maritime businesses. series of conferences and exhibition to the sector which is a significant known as Panama Maritime that segment of the economy. Prior to the The legal sector is represented by several put the eyes of the international inauguration of the Panama Canal trade guilds but there is a particular maritime industry on Panama. in 1914, Law 63 of December 15, 1917 association that caters to the maritime and Law 8 of 12th January, 1925, sector, the Panamanian Maritime Law Panama Maritime XIV World Conference creating the Ship Registry and Law Association (PMLA or APADEMAR & Exhibition was held from 17 to 20 32 of 1927 were enacted, establishing by its Spanish acronym, Asociación March 2019 at the Megapolis Convention the organisation and management of Panameña de Derecho Maritimo – www. Centre in Panama City. The main corporations. The combination of these apademar.com). The PMLA was created theme of the conference was ‘Taking legal acts propelled the Isthmus to a at the end of the 1970s by a group of advantage of evolving industry trends: A position where, today, Panama’s Ship lawyers specialising in maritime law. greener, digital & autonomous maritime Registry leads the world’s largest fleet. industry.’ The Organising Committee was The PMLA’s board of directors is elected presided by Capt. Orlando Allard from The creation of the Colon Free Zone, every year. The board of directors for the Chamber of Shipping. The PMLA the banking centre, the reverted areas the period 2019-2020 is composed of: will be in charge of organising the next following the transfer of the Panama Jazmina Rovi (Morgan & Morgan); Conference and Exhibition in 2021. Canal in 1999 and of legislations president Pilar Castillo (Arias, Fábrega especially oriented to giving tax y Fábrega) – vice president Ramon Panama Maritime Authority and the incentives, have attracted large foreign Franco M (Franco & Franco); secretary Ship Registry in association with the
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108 PMR19 MultiAd 108 31/10/2019 14:43 LEGAL SERVICES
After many years in the pipeline, Panama has passed legislation for ship financing, the first of its kind for the country. The Law 50 of 28 June 2017 entered into force on 29 December 2017 and is known as the Naval Financing Law.
This new law was thought out to take advantage of Panama´s geographical, logistic and economic strengths, while creating and new pole of business development in the country. The legislation also creates an attractive investment environment for ship financing from banks established in Panama while extending its reach to all foreign financial institutions providing they establish a branch office in Panama to enjoy the law’s benefits.
Panama Canal Authority are now security in the maritime industry; and Panama’s banking centre is one of the participating together in international promote the consolidation of Panama most important of the region with a total conferences-exhibitions, like Sea Asia as an effective jurisdiction for the of 86 banks. None of those banks, though, in Singapore, or Posidonia and Nor settlement of maritime disputes, through has looked yet at this novel market and Shipping, where many of the PMLA (i) a revision of the Code of Maritime one of the purposes of the law is to members have brought their expertise Procedure in the light of the experience encourage those institutions along with and representation to form a united accumulated in the almost 10 years since entities as leasing and financial credit front enhancing the quality of the Ship the last amendment and propose the companies, to provide ship financing and Registry since the 102-year-old Panama corresponding reforms; and (ii) support attract all foreign financial institutions Ship Registry is facing strong competition for the Centre for Conciliation, Mediation providing they set foot in Panama in the sector where not only the top tier and Maritime Arbitration of Panama to do ship financing in Panama and registries operate but also a plethora of (CECOMAP), including actions under the enjoy the benefits of Law 50/2017. small registries. It is not so much a war mutual cooperation agreement signed of prices, but the lax implementation with the China Maritime Arbitration The law creates a special legal regime of regulations, the flexible quality Commission (CMAC) in December 2018.’ for financing operations in the local and and security of those newcomer flags international maritime sector and grants that jeopardise the entire sector. ‘And to strengthen our gild, our goals are: fiscal, migratory and labour incentives To determine together with the Chamber for companies carrying out maritime PMLA new president Jazmina Rovi, in of Shipping the outline to follow for the financing operations and maritime project her acceptance’s speech, promised to next versions of the Panama Maritime fundable, from the Republic of Panama. ‘promote the updating of the business based on the experiences and results of Labour and immigration incentives are model on which our Merchant Marine the XIV version carried out in March amongst the main attractions of the law. is based to ensure its competitiveness 2019. And create and maintain spaces for and sustainability as the first registry the active participation of the members The regulations required by Law 50 to of ships, making use of the results of of the Association, through working become operational were approved by the strategy workshop conducted by teams for: Website Development and the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP)’s the Maritime Authority of Panama Social Networks; integration of the board of directors and only pending throughout the year 2018,’ and Organising Committee ‘Panama Maritime of its formalisation by an Executive work with the new Administration XV-2021’; the Committee on Fisheries Decree issued by the President (by starting July 1st to design together Affairs; the Commission of Arbitration the time we go to press, the Executive effective marketing strategies. and Maritime Litigation; and the Decree might have been issued). Merchant Marine Affairs Committee.’ ‘In the area of administration of justice in When it enters in effect, the law will the maritime jurisdiction, we have set two ‘We will celebrate a commemorative complement the present framework goals,’ said Rovi. ‘That all rulings of the event for the 40th anniversary of of the Panamanian mortgage which Maritime Court of Appeals and Maritime the Association, to take place on is one of the best advantages of Courts be published on the Judicial September 9, with special recognition Panama’s Registry, very appreciated Branch's website, in order to contribute to the former presidents, those who from the financial institutions. to the formation and dissemination of are and those who are no longer a jurisprudence that strengthens legal present amongst us,’ said Rovi. On the international level, Panama
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110 PMR19 Directory 1 30/10/2019 12:14 LEGAL SERVICES
Jazmina Rovi, new PMLA president and PMLA’s board of directors
has ratified the Convention of Mutual in shore or offshore) is confidential. keep the shares (and information about Administrative Assistance that allows for its owners) in strict confidentiality but the automatic exchange of tax information There is now the obligation that bearers’ must have the information available to with over 100 jurisdictions and passed shares be ‘immobilised’, which means the the competent authorities if they request a number of regulations concerning bearers’ shares must be given in custody it. According to the new legislation, offshore companies. Shareholding to an authorised agent, who would hold Panamanian corporations doing business information about Panamanian them on behalf of the owners of the outside Panama must keep accounting corporations (whether they operate shares. The authorised custodian must records for up to five years. • Tax evasion Panama has enacted Law 70 of 2019, which classifies tax to four years and a fine of one to three times the amount of the evasion as a crime., hoping that the development will keep tax defrauded. Panama off future OECD and EU blacklists. b) The previous prison sentence shall only be applicable when Under Panama’s Law 70 of 2019, sanctioned on January 31, the amount defrauded in a fiscal period is equal to or greater 2019, any individual intentionally evading taxes of $300,000 than $300,000.00 not including fines, surcharges or interests. or higher in a calendar year will be punished with a prison sentence of between two and five years, as well as a financial c) When a legal entity is used or benefits from tax evasion penalty of between two and ten times the amount evaded. it will be sanctioned with a fine not less than the amount defrauded nor more than double such amount. Further, if an individual is found to have laundered proceeds from tax fraud, they will be liable for a prison sentence of d) The previous penalty of a legal entity will only be between two and four years. Other money laundering crimes applicable when the amount defrauded in a fiscal period is in Panama are punishable with higher prison sentences, of up equal to or greater than $300,000.00 not including fines, to 12 years. However, some political opponents of the law have surcharges or interest. argued that it will make little overall impact as the penalties start only at $300,000: they argue it may be used as a political e) In the cases of this Chapter XII, the person who pays the weapon instead. amount of the tax liability defrauded unconditionally and totally, before the judgment of first instance, will be exempted On March 2, 2019, Law 70 of January 31, 2019 that adds articles from punishment. to the Criminal Code by means of which tax evasion is described or typified as a crime in Panama, enters into force or effect. f) In the event that the payment of the amount of the defrauded tax obligation is made during the investigation phase, no criminal Chapter XII is added to Title VII of the Second Book of the action will be taken arising from any crime of tax evasion. Penal Code to describe for the first time in our legal system tax evasion as a crime. In this Chapter XII, articles 288-G, 288-H, Finally, Article 254-A is added to the Criminal Code so that the 288-I and 288-J are added to essentially establish that: new crime of tax evasion constitutes a prior o precedent crime of money laundering and a penalty of two to four years in a) Anyone who fraudulently obtains an enjoyment or benefit of prison is imposed on anyone who commits the crime of money undue tax benefits will be punished with imprisonment of two laundering with funds arising from tax evasion.
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112 PMR19 Corporate 1 30/10/2019 12:15 THE ECONOMY
Caption
Public finance in good hands Looking to the future
n July 1, Laurentino Cortizo, decade, though Inclusion on the list can generate 66, became President of still twice the negative fallout for an economy, Panama and his inauguration Latin American particularly its financial services opened a new chapter in average, after a sector, via the likes of cancelled OPanamanian politics. Cortizo, a graduate 5.1% expansion correspondent banking arrangements. from Austin’s University of Texas with in 2014, 5.6% in an MBA and PhD, is a former deputy 2015, 5% the year ‘The chamber of commerce, industry and president of Panama National after and up to and agriculture of Panama (CCIAP) Assembly and minister of agriculture Hector Alexander 5.4% in 2017. rejects the unfortunate decision to during president Martin Torrijos include the country on the list of (2009-2014) tenure. He brings back to Panama’s new president, Laurentino nations that need to be supervised in power the centre-left-Revolutionary Cortizo, vowed to crack the whip on the process of implementing measures Democratic Party (Partido the country’s endemic corruption, boost to prevent the laundering of capital Revolucionario Democratico, PRD), in FDI and invest more in health care and and the financing of terrorism issued opposition during the last ten years. education to help reduce the 20% of the by FATF,’ CCIAP said in a statement. population who are in poverty. His first The business sector gave Cortizo its trip abroad will be to the US to meet with ‘The private and government sectors support, expecting the new president bankers and tell them Panama will have have been working hard to strengthen will fulfil his pledge of reviving the a strategy to eliminate its inclusion in the the legal, regulatory and institutional economy. The designation of Hector notorious lists of the EU, FATFT/GAFI framework via the adoption of rules Alexander at the helm of the ministry and the OECD. Panama has claimed it that are in line with international of economy and finance was applauded has made strides for tax transparency standards, and inclusion on this and provided a guarantee that public and anti-money laundering and terror list does not acknowledge all the finances will be in good hands. financing efforts, including passing a law effort made and results achieved in to punish tax evasion, recommended by a relatively short period of time.’ Alexander, a graduate from the the OECD. Despite those achievements, Universities of Panama, Chile and Panama returned June 21 on the Gray Panama, amongst others, is also on Chicago, was a member of the economic List of tax havens created by FATF/GAFI the European Commission's list of team during the negotiations of the after being taken off the list in 2016. jurisdictions with weak AML/CFT regimes. Panama Canal Treaties (1976-1977). He has held, on several occasions, At the time, Panamanian business In a statement outlining its Panama the position of deputy minister and chamber slammed the Financial decision, FATF said: ‘FATF has identified minister of economy and finance Action Task Force (FATF) for putting Panama as a jurisdiction with strategic from 1982 to 2009. Since then he has the country back on its so-called grey AML/CFT deficiencies. The country has dedicated his time to academic work. list. The list identifies jurisdictions developed an action plan with the FATF to deemed to lack sufficient anti-money address the most serious deficiencies. The Panama’s economy during Juan Carlos laundering and counter-terrorist FATF welcomed the high-level political Varela’s presidency remained healthy financing (AML/CTF) rules. Panama will commitment of Panama to this action plan.’ although it began to show signs of now be subject to FATF monitoring. downturn in 2018 due to the regional Cortizo’s position toward China might crisis affecting the Colon Free Zone It was taken off the list in 2016 not be as prominent as his predecessor, and services. Panama’s $60bn economy after making ‘significant progress’ former president Juan Carlos Varela grew 3.7% in 2018, its lowest level in a in improving its AML/CFT regime. who cut ties with Taiwan in 2017 to open
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economy is its Canal, which for this fiscal year FY2019, started last October, foresees total revenues of $3,239.5m, from which the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) budgeted direct contributions to the Treasury for $1,736.6m,’ recalled a communiqué from the institution. But diplomatic relations with the Asian giant. Keeping the fiscal deficit below 2% of contribution to Panama’s coffers do not Cortizo made a clear statement when he GDP, which is the upper limit allowed come close for 2019 to that originally met with a Chinese delegation on June by the fiscal responsibility law is one projected in the expansion proposal of 30, a day before taking office. He told challenge faced by Alexander. ‘We are $2bn that were estimated for 2017. The Chinese agriculture minister Wei Quiang anticipating an imbalance, and we’ll have distortion was caused mainly by the late that Panama appreciates the relationship to see how we balance it out,’ he said. delivery of the project, from October 2015 and would welcome Chinese companies as to June of 2016, by the consortium, Grupo long as they comply with local laws. The ‘The Ministry of Economy and Finance Unidos por el Canal (GUPC) led by the Chinese minister reciprocated by affirming (MEF) already anticipated that the Spanish company Sacyr and formed by his country’s support and interest in administration that begins on July 1 Jan de Nul (Belgium), Impregilo (Italy) and strengthening connectivity in the region. will receive in this concept outstanding Constructora Urbana (Panama). Tourism, accounts for $840m. For 2019 a budget logistics, construction, and mining However, in July Panama made of $23,669m has been prepared, which exploitation are projected as the booster its second export of beef to China. contemplates a ‘conservative’ economic of the Panamanian economy by 2019. The Panamanian beef, weighing 23 growth of 5.5%, an inflation of 1.4%, tonnes, is part of the bilateral trade a deficit of 2% of the gross domestic During the first quarter of 2019, Panama’s agreements between the two countries. product ($1.402bn) and a GDP of economy grew by 3.4%, according to the $70,847m,’ said the IMF in its 2019 Monthly Index of Economic Activity In April 2019, the IMF posted its forecast February report after visiting Panama. (IMAE) from the office of the Comptroller- for 2019 at 5.5% although most foreign General. Transport, storage, and economists estimate economic growth ‘A total of $8,995m will go to public communications, electricity and water, would be lower at 4.9%. The IMF warned investments this year. Tax revenues public administration and financial in January that Panama’s “stellar” growth were estimated at $6,597m and a intermediation were the segments of will be harder to sustain as it gets closer contribution from the Panama Canal the economy that recorded a favourable to being a high-income country. Fitch to the National Treasury for $1.74bn, performance from January to March; Ratings expects GDP growth to hit 2.17% higher than the record figure electricity and water supply, showed a 5.8% in 2019 and 5.5% in 2020, Moody’s of 2018, when it was $1,703m. positive result due to the greater generation has forecast over 5% through 2022. of thermal energy and the contribution The new government has said it will of the new generation of energy from The Economist Intelligence Unit provide preferential rates for home natural gas. Activities that showed growth considers that ‘broad policy continuity loans for as much as $180,000 in a bid to at a slower pace were construction, will facilitate strong foreign direct revive the flagging construction sector, mining and quarrying, agriculture investment inflows, the ramping up of which has been one of the economy’s and livestock, and leisure services. copper exports and commencement main growth engines in recent years. of public works projects that will The new government will inherit support firmer GDP growth in 2019 Panama’s first copper mine, operated by important infrastructure works. In after a weak 2018. A slowdown in Canada’s First Quantum, will support the August, the Panama Canal Authority global growth, notably in the US and economy in the second half of the year as will inaugurate the third bridge China, will weigh on growth in 2020.’ it ramps up production. The mine began over the Canal, on the Atlantic side exporting copper in June. The mine at a cost of around $400m, built by But the new minister of Economy will generate an annual $2bn in export France’s Vinci Construction Grands and Finance Hector Alexander says revenue once it is fully operational, Projects, that holds the world record the economy will grow a little less and paying off arrears to suppliers will as a cable-stayed concrete bridge than 4% in 2019. Alexander’s is lower also provide the economy with a lift. with four lanes and the longest span than that of the three main ratings of 550mtr between main columns. agencies, the International Monetary The new cabinet authorised the ministry Fund and all analysts whose median of Economy and Finance to issue as much Others have been tendered and awarded, forecast is for an expansion of 4.9%. as $2.5bn in debt. Alexander said he’ll like expansion of Metro Line 1 and ‘We’re falling short of where we could seek to issue part of the nation’s debt in Metro Line 2 to Tocumen airport, the be in growth and development, and the US and Europe and $1bn will be used expansion also of the Coastal highway this is our big challenge,’ Alexander to pay a bond maturing in January 2020. and the construction of the fourth told Bloomberg in July this year. bridge over the Canal (more than $1bn) ‘We think we can turn it around.’ One of the pillars of the Panamanian which will feature the Metro Line 3, are
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set to receive financing from the new while another is a proposal to create a total (two way) goods trade during government. Building the US$2.6bn line public-private partnership (PPP) law 2018. Goods exports totalled $6.9bn, No.3 for the metro system is also on the for infrastructure development. Panama up 9.3% from 2017; goods imports agenda. Cortizo has pledged to honour all lacks a regulatory framework for PPPs as totalled $462m, up 4.4% compared infrastructure contracts already awarded. most of the projects developed over the to 2017. The US goods trade surplus last few years have been financed with with Panama was $6.4bn in 2018. With an extension of 3,950mtr, the public funds. A PPP law would certainly fourth bridge over the Panama Canal open opportunities for more significant Panama was the UK's 35th largest goods will facilitate the traffic of about investment from the private sector. export market in 2018 and the 95th 130,000 vehicles that make this route largest supplier of goods imports in 2018. daily, through six lanes (three in each Water and waste services provided by direction), in addition to having a double the national water utility IDAAN will US foreign direct investment (FDI) in track for line three of the Metro. After need a review and modernisation without Panama (stock) was $4.7bn in 2017, a controversial tender, the Panama privatising the entity. Cortizo said his latest data available according to US Fourth Bridge Consortium, made up of government will invest in new potable Trade website, a 9.4% increase from China Communications Construction water treatment plants, wells, and 2016. US direct investment in Panama Company LTD (CCCC) and China Harbor pumping stations and sanitation projects. is led by nonbank holding companies, Engineering Company LTD (CHEC) On the agenda is addressing the issue of wholesale trade, finance and insurance. won this project, a contract obtained recycling for municipal and industrial thanks to the withdrawal of the Spanish waste with new projects to be implemented At end of March 2019, the banking Caption Dragados SA, which ranked first. across the country, particularly in centre registered total assets of Panama City and the main cities. $121,488m, up 3.18% compared to the The president said he will submit two same period a year ago, with local bills to the National Assembly, one Panama is currently the US’ 54th largest deposits up 2.5% to $52,525m and to amend the public contracting law goods trading partner with $7.3bn in local loans up 5.08% to $54,857m. • Minera Panama begins operations
The ‘Missy Enterprise’ transited the Panama Canal on June 21, The supreme court last year declared unconstitutional carrying the first 31,200 tonnes of copper concentrate exported Panama’s law 9 of 1997, which approved this contract. FQM from the country. It was the first of a total of twelve projected and Panama’s ministry of trade and industry have said the transits this year, marking the introduction of Panama as a ruling does not undermine the validity of the Cobre Panamá copper ore exporting country. The mine, located in Donoso, concessions, but the legal dispute is ongoing. The contract Colon, represents a $6.3bn investment by Minera Panama, has also been met with political opposition. Members of the subsidiary of Canadian, First Quantum Minerals (FQM). National Assembly’s economy and finance committee rejected in June, a bill aimed at resolving legal doubts over the The project has a 300MW power plant connected to the contract in May, saying its terms are damaging to the country. national electricity grid and in an international port of two The contract sets royalty payments at 2%, compared to 6% terminals in Punta Rincon. Between 125,000 and 250,000 established in previous national laws. tonnes per day are processed in the mill. President Cortizo said that his government would review Among the contributions that the company has made to ‘clause by clause’ the mining contract awarded to Cobre Panama is the generation of more than 10,000 jobs for Panama. FQM responded to President Cortizo by issuing Panamanians in its construction phase and a contribution of a media release stating that the extension of the contract $118m to the Social Security Fund, in 2018, and more than to operate Cobre Panama mine fulfils current laws and $58m to the sustainable development of the communities of regulations and that its team should be allowed to work Donoso and La Pintada; it has also allocated more than $34m without legal uncertainties. to the country's environmental conservation. With respect to the request to extend its contract, which was FQM’s US$6.3bn Cobre Panamá project – the biggest signed in 2016, the miner said that it is willing to share all investment in Panama’s history – has projected an output the relevant documentation with both the government and peaking at 425,000 tonnes in 2023, according to the company. the general public. ‘We do this with the belief that the Cobre Panama estimates that the mine’s contribution to the nation’s Panama project will be able to proceed without any legal GDP will be 3% per year in stable production. uncertainty,’ the company’s statement reads.
But FQM is now facing problems – which began a month FQM’s contract extension involves a $327m-expansion of before President Cortizo was sworn in – over the legality of Cobre Panama mining and processing complex. The plan is for a contract between the government and concessions owner the operation to grow from 85mt per year to 100mt annually Minera Petaquilla, now FQM subsidiary Minera Panama. beginning in 2023.
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New Amador Cruise Terminal to open on Pacific side Milestone year for cruising
020 will mark a milestone for surrounding land for the terminal. consists of a pier with two berths the cruise sector in Panama and a total length of 366mtr. for the vessels docking and ShibataFenderTeam Inc., the group’s visiting the Isthmus since US office, handled the project and It can accommodate two mega cruise the inauguration of the first cruise supplied 18 Ocean Guard Fenders (3,300 ships simultaneously and handle terminal on the Pacific side of the x 6,500mm) with fixing hardware. all their passengers, which can ²Panama Canal is scheduled this year. Ocean Guard Fenders are foam fenders easily be up to 10,000 at a time. which are an excellent solution for The opening of the Amador Cruise Cruise Terminals. The urethane skin With the two new berths at Amador terminal by the new administration of the fenders is preferred by cruise Cruise Terminal, Panama City increased of president Cortizo and his maritime vessel operators as they do not leave its cruise vessel handling capacity to team headed by naval engineer Noriel any marking to the bright white hull of a total of five of the largest passenger Arauz, will draw a number of cruise lines cruise vessels. Foam fenders allow for ships and making Panama an easy which could not previously dock on the a low hull pressure with proportional access destination and a ‘Home Port’ Pacific side and could only disembark increase of energy and reaction. They on the Pacific side, providing a major passengers using smaller tender boats. are extremely robust and unsinkable contribution to the economy. even if damaged. The customised A consortium comprising China Harbour solution for the Cruise Terminal in An international tender has been Engineering Company (CHEC) and the Amador was designed to accommodate launched to find a suitable port operator Belgium’s Jan de Nul was awarded the the fenders to a broad range of tides. with knowledge of cruise operations dredging of the navigation canal and and the result is expected at the end of terminal area, as well as developing the Amador’s $167m new terminal the third quarter of the year in order to be ready for the inauguration. Future Amador Cruise Terminal terminal Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Star, has already booked a reservation to homeport in October 2020 in the new facility.
The dimensions of Norwegian Star are: 294.13mtr in length, beam of 32.2mtr and 91,740gt. It has a capacity for 2,348 passengers and its crew is composed of 1,031 members. It has 15 dining options,
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10 bars and lounges, spa area, casino and adventure trips, say cruise experts. operated by Princess Cruises line, everything usual in this type of cruise. sailed from Los Angeles, California, One of the region’s major attractions – in a 15-day voyage that included the ‘The projections regarding the movement and a wish-list destination for most cruise expedited passage through the inter- of passengers for 2020, with the start passengers – is the Panama Canal, one of oceanic route. Its final destination was of operations of this Cruise Terminal the seven wonders of the modern world. the port of Fort Lauderdale, in the US. are very positive, and we are expecting new records to be reached, in turn ‘The highlight of our Central America Albano Aguilar, leading specialist in the arrival of new cruise passengers sailings is undoubtedly the Panama International Trade of the Division of to our country will generate an Canal transits, between the Atlantic Market Analysis and Customer Relations economic impact that will benefit, and Pacific oceans, passing through of the Vice Presidency of Traffic Business enhance and diversify the Panamanian numerous locks and beneath spectacular of the Panama Canal Authority (ACP), tourism sector, generating direct and bridges, with Panama’s beautiful inland indicated that during the ACP Fiscal indirect employment opportunities and scenery providing a memorable vista Year that includes from October 1, 2018 contribute to sustainable development,’ from the decks of the ships,’ Star to September 30, 2019, the Panama Canal said the then-administrator of the Clippers’ UK gm Fay McCormack will register 242 transits of passenger Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) told Cruise Trade News website. ships with more than 260,000 passengers. and minister of maritime affairs Jorge Barakat, during Seatrade Cruise ‘Central America is a diverse and exciting In relation to transits of Neopanamax Global in Miami in April 2019. destination with so much to see and do; dimensions, during the cruise season choosing a cruise holiday allows guests (October 2018-May 2019) seven ships ‘This terminal, which is a government to experience the full spectrum of people, were received with a total of 12 transits investment, will be a decisive landscapes, and cultures in one holiday,’ of the Norwegian, Princess, Carnival point to achieve our diversification explained Celebrity Cruises’ head of sales and Disney lines (Norwegian Bliss, in the port market, and attract for UK and Ireland, Nicola McNeish. Caribbean Princess, Emerald Princess, new business forms,’ he said. Carnival Valor, Carnival Freedom, ‘I would recommend a Panama Canal Carnival Triumph and Disney Wonder). According to CLIA, an impressive cruise to truly experience both the east 11.3m cruise passengers travelled to the and west coasts of Central America, With the closing of the season, renowned Caribbean Islands last year – an annual taking in stops in Colombia, Panama, cruise lines such as Princess Cruises, increase of 6%. With this ongoing Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Mexico Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean growth, there are now countless cruise – the Panama Canal is definitely Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, itineraries on offer to this part of the best experienced from the water.’ among others, maintain their proposal to world every year, making it almost offer itineraries to complete transits and impossible for clients to choose which With the transit of Panamax cruise partial transits that include Panama and Caribbean cruise is the best. The famous ship Pacific Princess, with a capacity of in particular, the interoceanic waterway. millennials tend to prefer smaller 670 passengers, which took place May cruise ships to the large Neopanamaxes 22, 2019, the Panama Canal reported On the other hand, smaller vessels and their favourite destinations the closing of the 2018 cruise season such as the National Geographic Quest are more ‘exotic’ and specialised (October 2018-May 2019). This ship, and UnCruise Adventruers’ Safari
Incentives to cruise lines
Cruise lines that establish their home port in the ports the Panama Canal route established in the official rate of the of the Republic of Panama, will receive an incentive for Panama Canal Authority (ACP). tourism promotion. According to the Decree, the incentive will be payable as Panamanian president Varela signed the Executive Decree No. reimbursement to the cruise line, according to the amount 35 giving incentives to cruise lines making their home port in invoiced by the ACP. Panama on June 12, 2019. The Tourism Authority of Panama (ATP) must establish the The Executive Decree states the government will assume the necessary procedures to make the reimbursement to the cruise payment of the toll cost corresponding to a transit through lines, once they present the original invoice.
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Voyager also contributed to segment for cruise ships arriving in Panama. The indicated that it is estimated that a traffic. These vessels, with itineraries numbers of this activity demonstrate flow of more than 130,000 people are between eight and 12 days, respectively, the importance of the Caribbean Sea moving in Panama, with Colon 2000 visited ports located on the west coast in the tourism segment of this type. as the starting point for Caribbean of the Central American isthmus. vacations since Pullmantur has In December 2018, the port located in made Colon 2000 its home port. Additionally, passenger ships whose the Panamanian Atlantic coast, received transits were not anticipated such as 28 cruises. At early 2019, they awaited The majority of the passengers that Sun Princess, Vidanta Elegant, RCGS the arrival of another 24 cruises. During embark in Colon come from Argentina, Resolute, American Song and Celebrity the season that began in September 2018 Brazil, Ecuador and Costa Rica, in Flora transited through the Canal. for Colon 2000, a total of 171 cruises addition to a slight representation of the had landed, at the time we go to press. US and Europe. However, the economic On May 14, 2018, Norwegian Blisswas environments of the Southern Cone have the first Neopanamax to transit the The sample of these cruises are divided impacted the commercial movement waterway after the Canal expansion into lines with Princess Cruises, which of the shipping company,’ he said. was inaugurated in 2016 and the has an operation through the Panama highest capacity passenger ship Canal, which includes Lake Gatun as Páez estimated that the economic impact marking a milestone at the date. the first stop, to disembark passengers of the company's activity is around in the Yacht Club, and then back $21m, but could be around 10% more Some 27m people were expected to take down through the locks of Gatun, and for the 2018-2019 season that started in a cruise ship in 2018 and the number arriving at Colón 2000 terminal with October 2018. and goes well beyond May. of mega-ships [those carrying between 90% of these cruises are of American This growth is related to an increase 2,500 and 6,000] has been increasing, origin. Other large ships arriving from in capacity in the Caribbean for the niche markets catering to smaller Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US, include next season, since they will sail without numbers were growing as well. In Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam. exception, ‘every week of the year’. Panama, mega cruise vessels share the market with much smaller cruise ships Pullmantur Cruises’ Monarch, leaves The company invested more than that cater to the Caribbean market. Port of Colón 2000 every Friday from $24m in South America in advertising Terminal 2, and embarked about and marketing campaigns for people On Panama’s Atlantic coast, the cruise 49,000 cruise passengers in 2018. to show interest in embarking terminal Colon 2000 attracts visits from from the port of Panama. major cruise operators with more than In a previous interview, with the 200 cruise ships docking in its facilities. local newspaper La Estrella de Panama's cruise industry represents Colón 2000 dismissed 2018 with the title Panama, Alejandro Páez, director of more than $100m a year and 350,000 of being the most important destination corporate sales at Pullmantur Cruises, passengers annually according to the Tourism Authority.
It is important to differentiate the impact of cruises in the country reminded the head of the Authority: ‘There are cruise ships that transit through the Panama Canal, bringing passengers that disembarkand undertake tours and then there are those passengers who arrive in Panama via airplane who join ships like Pullmantur
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Cruises that are turning around in eastern Peru where both have done from 14 to 23 days, as well as 10- and the country and who often add stay research and ecotourism and constructed 11-day partial transits that also include in hotels pre and post the cruise.’ rain forest canopy walkways. southern Caribbean cruising. While the Panama Canal transit is the centerpiece Colon 2000 attracts visits from many Passengers will embark at Puerto of the voyage, guests also have the major cruise operators including Carnival Caldera in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, opportunity to explore noteworthy ports Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, then visit Curù Wildlife Refuge where throughout the Mexican Riviera, Central Princess, Norwegian Cruise Line, more than 10,000 species of plants, America and the beautiful Caribbean. Holland America, Viking, Seabourn, 300 species of birds and 200 species Azamara Club Cruises, Regent Seven of butterflies are present and where UnCruise Adventures has added Seas, Crystal, Marella, TUI, AIDA, the less dense undergrowth makes additional Latin American destinations MSC Cruises and Carnival UK. spotting wildlife easier than in the in 2020 with Belize, Guatemala and deeper forest. Howler monkeys, spider Colombia chosen for new adventure Edie Rodriguez, Americas brand monkeys, vultures, brown pelicans and cruise routes, the company said. The chairman for Ponant, will host 'An scarlet macaws are all native to the line’s 2020 schedule of small ship Exploration in Nature in Costa Rica & area. The itinerary continues with visits cruises is open for booking with nine the Panama Canal,' a 10-night cruise to Manuel Antonio National Park then ships sailing in Alaska, Columbia and embarking January 6, 2020 reported Corcovado National Park, the largest Snake Rivers, Coastal Washington, Seatrade Cruise News. The voyage park in Costa Rica with 13 ecosystems; Mexico, Hawaii, Galápagos, Costa – part of Ponant's Quintessential Cebaco Island in Panama and Punta Rica, Panamá, Colombia, Belize and Collection – will be aboard the new Alegre to discover the Darien National Guatemala, according to a press release. Explorers series ship Le Dumont- Park, a UNESCO World Heritage d’Urville. 'I am particularly excited site, to meet the Emberá people. The 66-guest Safari Voyager will offer about sharing this experience with our three departures on a new weeklong guests,' Rodriguez said, adding that Le Dumont-d’Urville will then transit Colombia & Panamá Canal itinerary of the more than 100 countries she's the Panama Canal and visit the San Blas between and Cartagena, Colombia and visited, Panama and transiting the Islands to learn about the culture and Panama City, Panama (or reverse) in Panama Canal (which she's done three craftsmanship of the indigenous Guna October. The 66-guest Safari Voyager times) stand out as unforgettable. people. A visit to Holandes Cayes follows will sail eleven departures on a 10-night before disembarkation at Colon 2000. Costa Rica & Panamá – Canal, Culture, The cruise will have featured speaker Adventure itinerary between San José, Paul Donahue, who has worked with Cruise travellers looking for a Panama Costa Rica and Panamá City (or reverse). birds and mammals in nature reserves Canal cruise will have 32 Holland throughout Central America since America Line sailings to choose from From April through September, six ships 1972. From 1991-94 Donahue and his between September 2019 and May 2020. are scheduled to offer 117 departures wife Teresa Wood have co-directed on cruises lasting one to two weeks the Amazon Centre for Environmental Seven ships will offer 16 unique from homeports of Seattle, Washington; Education and Research in north itineraries, including full transits ranging Ketchikan, Juneau, and Sitka, Alaska. •
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One of the fastest growing sectors of the economy New goals for tourism
anama’s tour operators and according to data from the Tourism and tourist products to become market hotel managers have been Authority of Panama (ATP). specialists selling travel to Panamá. concerned by what they call ‘lack of promotional Hotel occupancy, on the other hand, was He also explained that on this Pcampaign and government efforts’ to 44.9% in 2018, 2.2% less compared to the platform not only travel agents but support the sector and have asked previous year, according to the ATP. also ATP certified Panamanian the new government and president tour operators, will have access to Laurentino Cortizo, who took office The new minister blamed the crisis on contact information from the agencies July 1, 2019, to dedicate special attention scarce domestic tourism and the lack of the US and Canada, allowing to tourism, which represents around of international promotion, although in tour operators to create attractive 10% of the country’s gross domestic 2017 a public-private fund was created to packages that travel agents can sell. product. The new head of the Tourism promote Panama abroad, which last May Authority and minister of tourism is received its first $5m to start operating. Representatives of the National Chamber Ivan Eskildsen, a young hotel operator of Tourism (CAMTUR), Panamanian who is knowledgeable of the sector The good news for the sector is that tax Association of agencies travel & tourism and already met with the main players incentives created by Law 80 with the aim (APAVIT), Panamanian Association of the sector and promised to give of expanding the supply of infrastructure of hotels (APATEL), Association, of special emphasis on conferences and and tourist products in Panama and small hotels in Panama (HOPPAN) congresses and revive international which expired on December 31, 2017, have Panamanian Tourism Touroperators promotion. Before the end of 2019, been extended until 2025. According to (APOTUR), Panamanian Association the new Congress Hall should be the Tourism Authority, ‘Law 80 fulfilled of Commercial Centers (APACECOM), operational with an international its objective and now Panama City has the International Fund of Promotion, congress on water in September that best hotel facilities plant in the region.’ National Council of Tourism, Panama will bring some 900 delegates. Canal, Biomuseum, Patronato of As part of the strategy of international Panama Viejo, Metropolitan Operators A special cabinet on tourism will promotion, the Panama Tourism of Tourism as well as The City of be created, Eskildsen said and will Authority (ATP), in alliance with knowledge were invited to attend. consist of a dozen ministries and public travAlliancemedia, launched a institutions and will be responsible digital training ‘Panama Specialist’ Panama Specialist covers interactive for identifying and coordinating programme, aimed for agents of the courses on the destination offer, such infrastructure projects and ‘actions US and Canada who are ready to gain as attractions for those seeking culture, needed to boost the tourism industry, the confidence and become experts gastronomy pleasures for the most which ‘is one of the fastest-growing in selling the Panama brand. demanding taste, the best sites for sectors of the economy,’ he added. Since Sunchasers seeking marvellous beaches he took office, Cortizo has convened Enrique Sánchez, marketing director and amazing experiences with the already several ‘Tourism Cabinets’. for the ATP, introduced the two water sports, unique destinations for representatives of travAlliancemedia activities that put them in contact with Panama, a country of just 4m inhabitants, who attended to officially present to the nature and adventure, among others. received more than 2.4m tourists last Panamanian tourist guilds the operation year, which represents a decrease of and functionality of this tool, through The training program includes a 1.2% compared to 2017, but its spending which travel professionals will have the marketing package that will lead increased by 3.3% and reached $4.6bn, opportunity to learn about the attractions the travel agents to graduate as
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The magnificent Quetzal has graduated over 96,000 unique agents since its launch in 2005.
With the protection of the environment becoming a global trend, millennials, no millennials and retirees are focusing on ecotourism, visits to indigenous communities, trekking, birds and animals watching in exotic locations.
A couple of years ago, Panama focused its promotion campaign on ecotourism since the country is renowned for its largest flora and fauna and a remarkable good spot for bird watching with so many migrating species and recently for whale watching.
A paradise for bird watchers Panama is in the top 10 countries with the most species that can be seen in forests, beaches, and cities, according experts in Panama by enrolling travelagentacademy.com, the education to the Big Global Day, a census of bird at www.panamaspecialist.com platform that has been awarded population that takes place annually multiple Adrian Awards granted by since 2015. Panama recorded 730 species Agents who graduate will obtain the Hospitality Sales and Marketing that place it in the eighth place in Continuing Education Units from International Association (HSMAI). the world and in the second place in The Travel Institute (TTI) in the the area between North and Central US and from the Association of Travel Agent Academy, by America and the Caribbean, just behind Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA). travAlliancemedia, is an effective Mexico, which counted 765 species. training platform, through which the The Course was officially launched most experienced editors and designers In 2018, Panama also ranked among on April 5, 2019 and is part of www. develop a rich experience which the top 10 countries in the world
Old Panama celebrates its 500th anniversary
Old Panama, the first city founded by the Spanish conquerors three hours. Even though a ferocious fire destroyed the town, on the Pacific coast, celebrated its 500th anniversary August 15. Morgan plundered the remains, stayed three week and took Founded by Pedro Arias de Avila on August 15, 1519, the city 600 prisoners taking with him large quantities of gold, silver was then a metropolis, one of the largest of the continent and and precious stones. Three years later, Morgan was Knighted by designed according to Spain’s Royal Instructions. the British Crown and returned as Sir Henry Morgan, the new governor of Jamaica where he died in 1688. The chosen location rapidly became the central point of the new world. In 1521, Panama was recognised as a city and given In 1673, the Spaniards moved the city to a more defensible a coat of arms; in 1535 the city became See of the Third Roya location which is now knows as the Casco Viejo (Old Compound). Audience created by the Spanish crown. According to a 1570 census, one of every four neighbours in Panama and Nombre de Dios, a town on the Atlantic side, was rich. And the description of the city concurs in the splendour of its installations, with a cathedral, four churches, seven cloisters for the monks and one for the sisters and lavish public buildings. It was reported than 10% of its 500 inhabitants were foreigners, mostly traders in addition to some 3,000 slaves.
But at end of the 17th century when pirates roamed the Caribbean seas, Panama came in the sight of Henry Morgan who had successfully sacked Portobello in 1668 and decided to ‘take’ Panama where no enemy had ever penetrated.
On January 28, 1671, Morgan attacked the city which fell in
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and ranked first in the region, Even though there are only two been the first and most well-known when 750 species were counted. seasons in Panama, the rainy and locations to find exotic birds. the dry, and the temperature stays In Panama, the presence of 1,009 between 70-80 degrees year-round, the If you really want to see birds, waking species has been recorded historically, rainforest is always alive, providing calls are very early with the best time according to the 2019 list of the ample opportunity to photograph and being just after the end of the rainy Panama Audubon Society. document all sorts of curiosities. season: January, February and March. During these months you can go out Some 1,000 volunteers from 50 Panama’s national bird is the Harpy birding all day, and see a whole range public institutions, and private, non- Eagle, a rare bird difficult to spot of wildlife – not just the birds! governmental, community and university, but seen occasionally in the Darien were distributed throughout the country province. The best way to see one In the months of March to May, there is to feed, during the 24 hours of the is to stay in a rainforest lodge. a lot of migratory birds and you’ll also Big Global Day to list the birds that likely catch a glimpse of the thousands can be seen in Panama and opening a Very few bird watchers, eager to catch of raptors making their way north, say window of opportunity for ecotourism. sight of the Harpy Eagle, will know that the experts. Although at the beginning it was the inspiration for the design of the rainy season – May and June – In the US, (bird watchers) generate of Fawkes, Dumbledore’s phoenix birds are hard to find during the day, about $15bn in food, accommodation, in the Harry Potter film series. you still can see some very early in the transportation and hiring guides, morning and hear their calls as they nest according to a report from the The Wounaan, an indigenous people in that period. Until the migration season US Fish and Wildlife Service. who live in the Darien province, are now begins in September, the highlands working with Panama’s travel agencies are perhaps the best season to go for Panama has some of the highest and organise bird-watching tours. Not this time of year, and the last months biodiversity in the world, as do all only the Wounaan are the best guides of the year remain high season for countries/territories that exist in the a bird watcher would find since they migratory birds, in particular October. tropics. In Panama alone there are more know and protect them as part of their bird species than in North America. culture. The association brings jobs In the Panama Canal watershed, the The rainforest is teeming not just and income to remote communities and Pipeline Trail is the ‘jewel of birding’. with birds but with countless plant, help them to protect the environment. Nested in the Soberania National Park, fungus, insect, reptile, amphibian, the 17.5km-former pipeline and service and microorganismal species. Canopy Camp, in Darien Province, is road has been a favourite of birding for a comfortable camping in the Darien decades because of its diversity of birds. rainforest. Transport is all arranged as Only half-an-hour-drive from the city, part of the booking; the camp is around birders, providing they start around 5am- five hours drive from the capital. 6am, will count hundreds of species. Also, Gamboa, a small village in the vicinity Going to the Darien province, which of the Panama Canal, is a renowned borders Panama with Colombia, will spot as well as the Plantation Trail. If definitely require time and booking you want comfort, Gamboa Lodge Eco- specialised tours from travel agencies resort is an ideal place to get excellent in Panama, but if bird watchers have lodging and touristic opportunities. only a day or two to explore this activity, there are some other areas, closer to Canopy Tower, Soberanía National Park, the capital city which have traditionally is specially designed for bird watching
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recently that specialised tour-operators are organising whale watching tours mostly in the Bay of Panama, in the Pearl Islands and in the Gulf of Chiriqui, in Boca Brava Island and Islas Secas. Getting a chance to see whales and dolphins up close and personal in their natural habitat is a fantastic experience. Wild and untouched, the Gulf of Chiriquí incites a feeling of discovery, its golden sand beaches and jungle paths offering a more bucolic lookout and offer good lodging. Perched in the In the highlands of West Panama, the middle of the canopy, is only around Chiriqui province is the best destination Peak humpback whale-watching 45 minutes driving from Panama to spot Quetzals that live in the season is from June through City, making it within easy reach if mountainous tropical forests of Central October-early November. you want to stay in the capital for a America. The resplendent quetzal is an few days or are on a business trip. aptly named bird that many consider Panama, like Costa Rica, are the only among the world's most beautiful. regions in the world where whales are On the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal Almost mythical bird, it was sacred to concentrated from the Northern and is Achiote Road which has for years, been the ancient Maya and Aztec peoples, Southern Hemispheres. Every year the the location chosen by The Audubon and royalty and priests wore its feathers humpback whales of both hemispheres Society annual count with sometimes during ceremonies. Best time to get a arrive in Panama, after a journey of about more than 800 species were spot during glance of the Resplendent Quetzal is 8,000km to reproduce and give birth to one day; Gatun Lake is also a best during the dry season starting a trek their young. It is estimated that during location to spot herons and water birds. from Guadalupe, a little village above the peak observation season about 2,000 Volcan. Los Quetzales Ecolodge, in cetaceans arrive on the Pacific coast. Roughly a couple of hours-drive from the Guadalupe, organises trekking and bird Capital is El Valle de Anton with good watching tours along the Quetzal Trail. Whales from the Northern Hemisphere bed and breakfast, hotels and excellent travel from Alaska, while the population restaurants but also a traditional good Whale watching of the Southern Hemisphere travels location for birding and fauna sight- Whales had been coming to Panamanian from the feeding areas in the Antarctic seeing with local guides and tours. waters for long time but it is not until Peninsula and Strait of Magellan. • Tourism facts
• In 2018, Panama received a total of 2.4m tourists, a slight ($1,800) with a daily disbursement of $230 including lodging, decrease of 1.4% compared to the previous year. food, purchases and tickets to touristic sites, according to the Tourism Authority. • However, tourists spent more during their stay in Panama, up 3.3% to $4,605m. • In the first quarter of 2019, hotel occupancy was 42%, 25% below the previous year. According to statistics from the • According to figures released by the Tourism Authority, Panama Association of Hotel (APATEL), the country offers tourists from the United States were the more numerous around 32,000 rooms. (300,000) followed by Colombia (more than 210,000) and Brazil (more than 84,000). • Entries through Panama’s Tocumen International Airport increased 4.2% in the first quarter of 2019. • The European countries that sent more tourists to Panama were Spain (more than 71,000) and Germany (more than • ‘From 2008 to 2015, income from tourism in Panama 35,000). grew by 7.1% per year but from 2015 until 2019, the entries have decreased by 3% annually which means it has stopped • The tourism sector accounts for around 10% of Panama’s receiving 1.4m visitors in three years, associated with the lack of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) which grew 3.7% in 2018. international promotion,’ says APATEL.
• South America and Venezuela which used to be strong • ‘If this number of travellers is multiplied by 3.5 days of markets for Panama, have diminished substantially but were average stay and an approximate expenditure of $221 per day, replace by an increase in tourists coming from Europe. gives a total of $1,100 million who have stopped entering the country in three years. In addition, Panama must have reliable • The average time spent by a tourist is around eight days statistics,’ said APATEL.
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Tiiiiii •
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COLON CONTAINER TERMINAL (CCT) PPC – PORT OF CRISTOBAL (Atlantic)
CCT prides itself on providing customers with flexibility in our operation to accommodate the ever-changing needs of customers. Whether you are a waterside customer or a landside customer, CCT will work with you to meet your needs while maintaining quality and safety throughout the process.
Container Operations With four berths and 74 hectares of storage area, CCT is capable of berthing all sizes of vessels, including two Neopanamax vessels simultaneously.
Reefer Reefer monitoring Pre-trip inspection Other Services Container Equipment Maintenance Reefer Equipment Maintenance CFS Inspections/Certifications BASC ISPS
Facilities & Equipment Berths Berths 1 & 2, 478 contiguous metre, 14.0 metre draft Berths 3 & 4, 780 contiguous metre, 16.0 and 16.5 metre draft, respectively Gantry Cranes 5 Panamax (14 rows) 2 Post-Panamax (18 rows) 3 Post-Panamax (20 rows) FACILITIES 3 Super Post-Panamax (23 rows) Cristobal Port is located at the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal; its strategic position allows for connection with the most Reefer Gate House important shipping routes in the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean. 984 Reefer Plugs 3 in-gate lanes • 14 hectares of storage areas Yard Equipment 3 out-gate lanes • 970mtr Dock for Container 30 RTGs 1 OOG lane • 3 berths positions for Panamax and Post-Panamax vessels 3 Reach Stackers 2 certified scales that may be • 13 quay cranes, of which 5 are Post-Panamax with a reach of @ 11 Side Handlers used for VGM certification @19 rows of containers, 4 are Post-Panamax with a reach of 14 @ 93 Yard Tractors @rows of containers and 4 Panamax with a reach of 13 rows of @ @containers. • 37 RTGs • 13.5mtr (Dock 7 & 10) maximum draft • Annual capacity of 2 million teu • Train terminal inside terminal.
PSA PANAMA INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL
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PPC – PORT OF BALBOA (Pacific) MANZANILLO INT’L TERMINAL (MIT)
FACILITIES (MIT) DETAILS www.mitpan.com
Gantry cranes (STS) 11 post-panamax cranes (16 to 20 containers wide on deck) 8 super post-panamax cranes (22 to 25 containers wide on deck)
Yard cranes 24 RTG cranes • 6 Kone and 18 ZPMC cranes, 6+1 high container stacks, 6 containers wide • 6 ZPMC ASC cranes, 6+1 high container stacks, 12 containers wide Top-picks 27 Taylor cranes, 5-high container stacks Side-picks 33 Taylor cranes, 8-high container stacks
MIT complies with all aspects of the CSI (Container Security FACILITIES Initiative) established by the United States Customs Service, The geographical location of Balboa Port has been a key factor ISPS Code (Ship and Port Facility Security Code), PGCC (Global in rendering it the number one transhipping terminal in Latin Container Control Programme) of UNODC (United Nations Office America today. Balboa operates from the Pacific, attending on Drugs and Crime), BASC (Business Alliance for Safe Trade) program and C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against multiple vessel lines for their shipping, unshipping, and Terrorism). The port provides: transhipment activities. • 40 hectares of storage areas Access control and IDS (Intrusion Detection System) • 1,710mtr of Dock for Containers More than 150 security workers • 5 berth positions for Panamax and Post-Panamax vessels Canine anti-narcotic, anti-explosive, and patrol units • 25 quay cranes, of which 7 are Super Post-Panamax with a CCTV Monitoring and Control Center reach of 24 rows of containers, 10 Post Panamax with a reach Container seal program for shipping lines of 20 rows of containers, and 8 Panamax with a reach of 13 rows of containers. • 48 RTGs (electric and hybrid) • 16.7mtr (Dock 18) maximum draft • Annual capacity of 5 million teu • Logistics connectivity with the Atlantic by train and truck, allowing for connection to the Atlantic from ship to ship in 4hrs.
COLON 2000
FACILITIES With a draft of 9mtr Security • Certified personnel in PBIP/ISPS dock operations • Physical security system • K9 canine unit • CCTV monitoring centre 24/7 Availability of government authorities AMP, customs and migration. Location Bahía Manzanillo, next to the entrance of the Panama Canal Atlantic sector. Mooring protected area and wide maneuverability. Home Port • Comfortable and safe waiting room • Check-in sector with Migration and Customs services • Large and functional luggage storage • Vehicle and bus parking area • WiFi service Other services: Supermarket, duty-free stores, shopping centre (Colon Free Zone) 5-star hotel, varied gastronomy, casinos, pubs, rent-a-car
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Official name: República de Panamá. Fast growing economic sectors (2018) Education Economic sectors – Agricultural products: Compulsory for primary education. Including Population in 2019: Estimated 4.2m bananas, rice, corn, coffee, sugarcane, vegetables universities and smaller colleges, there are livestock; shrimp. 14 institutions of higher education in Panama Industries: construction, brewing, cement and attended by 90,000 students. Ethnic groups other construction materials, sugar milling. Mestizo (mixed Indian and European ancestry) Literacy 70%, West Indian 14%, Caucasian 10%, Indigenous population 6%. Panama Ship Registry Approx. 93% overall (urban 94%, rural 64%). Total tonnage at end-December 2018 reached 217,152,595gt down from 218,484,082gt at end Location Workforce: 1,200,000. Made up of Government June 2018. The number of vessels in December & community services 250,000, private sector Approximately 9° North, 80° West, at the 2018 to 8,000, up from 7,916 in June 2018 (the 500,000, others 350,000. geographical divide between North and South register eliminated several ships considered sub- America, bordering the Caribbean Sea to the standards) but down from 8,017 in December north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. 2017 and 8,085 in June 2017, according to IHS Unemployment total (March 2019): Global. At February 2019, the number of ships 6.4 (up from 6.1%, in 2018) slightly decreased to 7,916 while tonnage was up Geography to 217,227,377gt. Panama’s total land area is 75,517sq km. A Panama’s merchant marine represents 17.1% of Major cities mountain range with peaks over 2,500mtr forms the world’s fleet at end-June, 2018 and the age of Panama City: 1,500,000 (estimated with the spine of this s-shaped country. Panama the fleet is at 18 years. suburbs), Colón: 206,000, David: 142,000. occupies the southeastern end of the isthmus forming the land bridge between North and South America. Lowlands make up over 85% of Services Time zone the territory, with tropical rain forests to be found 75% of GDP of which 25% is for the maritime Panama is on Eastern Standard Time all year near the Canal, along the Caribbean coast and in sector including the Panama Canal, ports and (GMT -5hrs). Darien province. related services.
Electricity and telecommunications Terrain Agriculture and industry The national power supply is 110v, 60hz. Panama Mountainous. Highest elevation: Volcano Baru Primary sector (6% of GDP) includes agriculture has an excellent and modern telephone service 3,475mtr; Coastline 2,857km. and cattle farming; secondary sector (24% with international direct-dial facilities. Country of GDP) includes industry and infrastructure: code is 507. Climate services (70%) includes Colon free Zone, banking, transport and telecommunications. Tropical, with an average year-round daytime Currency and local taxes temperature of 27°C, in the mountains the The US dollar has been legal tender in Panama Land: Agricultural 24%, exploitable forest 20%, average is 10-15°C. Humidity averages 70%. The since 1904. The Balboa, the Panamanian currency others 56%. rainy season lasts from May to December. unit, trades at parity with the dollar although the Balboa only exists in forms of coins. Prices may GDP in 2018 Government be quoted as Balboas (B/.) or dollars ($). All major credit cards are widely accepted. VAT on services $61.8bn, up from $55.18bn in 2016 Panama is a democratic republic with elections and restaurants, is 7% and 10% as hotel taxes. held every five years. It is composed of three There is a $20 tax payable on departure from governing branches: Executive, Legislative and Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport. GDP per capita 2018 Judicial. Panama is divided into nine Provinces $15,090, up from $14,323 (2016) and four Comarcas or Indian territories. These are divided into 67 districts. Banking President Juan Carlos Varela, from the Partido Inflation 2018: 0.2% The banking centre saw a reduction in its number Panamenista, was elected May 4, 2014 and was of banks established in Panama to 83 down from sworn in July 1, 2014 for a five-year term. 86 in 2018. The centre has two state-owned Annual GDP growth 2018: 3.7% official banks, 43 with general licence, 26 with (down from 5.4%, 2017) international licences and 12 with representations Government branches offices. At end of March 2019, the banking centre Executive: President (head of state), one Vice registered total assets of $121,488m, up 3.18% Natural resources President. compared to the same period a year ago, with local deposits up 2.5% to $52, 525m and local Timber, seafood, mining (copper, gold), tourism. Legislative: Legislative Assembly: loans up 5.08% to $54,857m. (71 members). Opening hours vary but most are: Mon to Fri from Foreign trade (excludes CFZ) 2018 Judicial: Supreme Court: The president proposes 9am to 1pm/3m. Most banks are also open on judges for the Supreme Court; they are approved Exports of goods (FOB): $672m (>$660m) Saturday mornings. by the Legislative Assembly and sit for terms of Imports (FOB): $12.5bn (>$11.64bn in 2017) 10 years; a system of appeal originates in courts Source: Comptroller-General office, report 2018. IHS Global, Superintendence of Banks. (Consumer goods; intermediary goods of which of first instance, rising to the Supreme Court at construction materials; capital goods) the apex. Colón Free Zone (CFZ) Colon Free Zone (trade 2018): $20.58bn Religions Some 2,100 international and national companies and 20 foreign and national banks are established Imports: $9.77bn (>$9.21bn in 2017) Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 15%. in the Colón duty free zone. Re-exports: $10.80bn (>10.43bn in 2017) Languages Measures: Metric system. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) 2018 Spanish (official); various indigenous native languages. $5.8bn, (up from $ 5.32bn in 2017) Public holidays January 1: New Year’s Day January 9: Martyrs’ Day May1: Workers’ Day November 3: Independence from Colombia Day November 10: First Cry of Independence Day November 28: Independence from Spain Day December 8: Mothers Day December 25: Christmas Day
Moveable holidays Carnival Tuesday, Easter Friday
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Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) Panama Canal Authority (ACP) Edificio PanCanal Albrook, P.O. Box 0843-0533, Balboa, Ancón Balboa - Ancon, Panama Tel: +507 501-5100/5000 Tel: +507 272-7602 Fax: +507 272-7693
CARGO & OTHER SERVICES Coastal and Inland Marine Service Fax: +507 501-5708/315-1380 Air Sea Worldwide Panama P.O. Box 0843-00538, Rep. of Panama www.umip.ac.pa P.O. Box 0815-00883, Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 260-0088 / 260-0096 Tel: +507 269-8988 Fax: +507 236-1776 GEORGIA TECH Panama Fax: +507 269-8061 www.boskalis.com Tel: +507 395 3030 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.airseaworldwide.com Dredging International www.gatech.pa P.O. Box 0833-00284 Rep. of Panama AMT Cargo International Tel: +507 340-3004 FUEL / BUNKERING P.O. Box 0818-00286, Rep. of Panama Fax: +507 340-3005 Boluda Corporation Maritima Tel: +507 236-5843 www.deme.be P.O. Box 0843-03328, Rep. of Panama Fax: +507 236-9705 Tel: +507 211-1111 Email: [email protected] Meyers Group Fax: +507 211-3120 www.amtcargop.com Tel: +507 282-3800 www.boluda.com.es ð Fax: +507 294-5064 Intertrade Email: [email protected] CEPSA Panama P.O. Box 0819-10090, Rep. of Panama www.meyersgrp.com P.O. Box 0831-02143, Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 232-8588 Tel: +507 214-9601 Fax: +507 232-8078 Panama Pilots Services Corp. Fax: +507 214-8300 Email: [email protected] P.O. Box 0302-00435, Rep. of Panama Email: [email protected] www.intertrade.pty.com Tel: +507 430-2127 / 3836 www.cepsa.es Fax: +507 430-0496 Naves Supply Email: [email protected] Chemoil Latin America Inc. P.O. Box 0832-1499, Rep. of Panama www.panamapilot.com P.O. Box 0823-00992, Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 232-5415 Tel: +507 265-5070 Fax: +507 232-5469 Saam Smit Towage Panama Inc.ð Fax: +507 265-5088 Email: [email protected] Tel: +507 831 5020 www.chemoil.com www.navessupplypanama.com Fax: +507 321 6629 www.saam-smit.com Clipper Oil Sea Cargo Tel: +1 619 692 9701 P.O. Box 0816-00665, Rep. of Panama Svitzer Panama, Inc. Team: [email protected] Tel: +507 210-9600 Tel: +507 65 90 58 35 www.clipperoil.com Fax: +507 210-9635 www.svitzer.com Email: DECAL Panama [email protected] Transiberica P.O. Box 0819-11975, Rep. of Panama www.seaboardmarine.com P.O. Box 0831-01887, Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 213-1013 / 1917 Tel: +507 314-1708 Fax: +507 213- 9895 Servicio Internacional de Carga Fax: +507 314-0936 Email: [email protected] Tel: +507 260 17 47 Email: [email protected] Fax: +507 260 6562 Eagle Navigation Corp Van Oord Panama S.A. Tel: +507 262-6982 / 396-6807 Supreme Overseas Corp. Albrook Canal Plaza, Piso 2, Oficina H1 Email: [email protected] P.O. Box 0834-01456 Panama Tel: +507 3976-992 www.maritimetankers.com P.O. Box 0302-00482 Colón, Fax: +507 397-6995 Rep. of Panama Email: [email protected] Eco-Klean Tel: +507 430-3537 / 261-0044 www.vanoord.com Planta Eco-Klean, Fax: +507 430-0627 / 430-3705 Carretera Transístmica, Buena Vista, El Giral, Email: [email protected] ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Rep. of Panama www.supremepty.com Tourist Bureau Tel: +507 448 1771/1812/1581 (Autoridad del Turismo Panama) Email: [email protected] DREDGE, LAUNCH, TUG & P.O. Box 0816-00672, Rep of Panama PILOT SERVICES Tel: +507 526-7000 Enviroports Boskalis Panama, S.A. Fax: +507 625-7121 Tel: +507 6868 6710 Tel: +507 3177000 www.atp.gob.pa Email: [email protected] Fax: +507 3177099 Email: [email protected] Zona libre de Colón (Colón Free Zone) FAMM Antilles Ltd (Fuel and Marine P.O. Box 0302-00512, Rep. of Panama Marketing) Caribbean Pilots Corp. Tel: +507 475-9500 P.O. Box 0843-00358, Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 430 35 36 Fax: +507 475-9507 Tel: +507 314-1500 Fax: +507 430 35 38 Email: [email protected] Fax: +507 314-1497 Email: [email protected] www.zonalibredecolon.com.pa www.chevrontexaco.com
Cía. Marítima de Panama EDUCATION Interoceanic Supply Services Corp. (ISSC) P.O. Box 0843-02951, Rep. of Panama International Maritime University P.O. Box 0831-01849, Paitila, Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 211-1111 of Panama Tel: +507 232-5744/6670 Fax: +507 211-3140 P.O. Box 0843-03561 Fax: +507 232-8751 www.boluda.com.pa Tel: +507 501-5707/315-1372 Email: [email protected]
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Isthmian Petroleum Rio Energy Panama Arias, Fabrega & Fabrega P.O. Box 0843-03042, Rep. of Panama P.O. Box 0819-11300, Rep. of Panama P.O. Box 0816-01098, Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 263-6568 Tel: +507 360-2009 Tel: +507 205-7000 Fax: +507 269-4917 Fax: +507 360-2011 Fax: +507 264-5962 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.arifa.com Kamca Trading Shell Marine Products Tel: +507 209-9991 P.O. Box 0833-0124, Rep. of Panama Arosemena, Noriega & Contreras Email: [email protected] Tel: +507 210-7770 / 210-7862 P.O. Box 0832-01091 www.kamcatrading.com Fax: +507 210-7799 Tel: +507 366 8400 www.shell.com Fax: + 507 366 8457 Maxum Oil Services de Panama Email: [email protected] P.O. Box 0843-03119, Rep. of Panama Total Americas www.anorco.com Tel: +507 282-5600 Tel: +507 306 8537 Fax: +507 314-1605 Email: [email protected] Avila & Co Email: [email protected] www.totallubmarine.com Tel: +507 399 87 13 Fax: + 507 399 87 31 Petro Inspect Panama, S.A. Trader Tanker/Bunker Vessel Management P.O. Box 0843-0220, Panama, Rep of Tel: +507 6881 7046 Tel: +507 271-4466 Panama Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.avilaco.com www.petro-inspect.com Universal Oil Benedetti & Benedetti Melones Oil Terminal P.O. Box 0843-02951, Rep. of Panama P.O. Box 0816-01071, Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 395-6311 Tel: +507 211-3130 Tel: +507 263-4444 Fax: +507 395-6316 Fax: +507 6617-3810 Fax: +507 264-5962 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.melonesterminal.com www.benedetti.com.pa Vital Energy Bunkering Monjasa S.A. Tel: +507 203-1682 Buffete Candanedo Tel: +507 202-5231 Email: [email protected] P.O. Box 0834-01843, Rep. of Panama E-mail: [email protected] www.vitalenergybunkering.com Tel: +507 213-0033 / 0047 Fax: +507 264-2498 Oil Tanking Panama Vopak - Terminal Bahia Las Minas Email: [email protected] Tel: +507 430-7330 / 7327 P.O. Box 0834-0101 www.bufetecandanedo.com Email: [email protected] Tel: +507 478-0050 www.vopak.com Bufete Illueca PetroAmerica Terminal S.A (PATSA) P.O. Box 0819-06816, Rep. of Panama Lacona (Ex Base de Rodman), Edificio #377 VT Shipping International Inc. Tel: +507 269-1333 Cocoli, Arraijan Tel: +507 225-9271 Fax: +507 269-4698 Tel: +507 316 40 00 Fax: +507 225-3476 Email: [email protected] Fax: +507 316 41 00 Email: [email protected] www.illueca.com www.vtti.com/terminals/patsa-panama À LEGAL SERVICES Carreira-Pitti C. Petróleos Delta ABA Legal Bureau P.O. Box 0819-00068, Rep. of Panama P.O. Box 0819-07409 Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 263 44 55 Tel: +507 269-2444 Tel: +507 279-3000 Fax: +507 263 57 73 Fax: +507 263-8290 Fax: +507 279-3025 P.O. Box 0832-2692, Rep of Panama Email: [email protected] www.petrodelta.com E-mail: [email protected] www.abalegal.net Castro & Berguido Petróleos Independientes de Panama S.A/ P.O. Box 0816-00598, Rep. of Panama PIPSA Alemán, Cordero, Galindo & Lee Tel: +507 263-0015 Tel: +507 830-5909 P.O. Box 0819-09132, Rep. of Panama Fax: +507 264-0516 Fax: +507 830-5913 Tel: +507 269-2620 Email: [email protected] www.pipsa.com Fax: +507 263-5895 Email: [email protected] De Castro & Robles Petroterminal de Panama www.alcogal.com P.O. Box 0834-02262, Rep. of Panama P.O. Box 0832-0920, Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 263-6622 Tel: +507 263-7777 Alfaro, Ferrer & Ramirez Fax: +507 263-6594 Fax: +507 263-9949 P.O. Box 0816-06904, Rep. of Panama Email: [email protected] www.petroterminal.com Tel: +507 263-9355 www.decastro-robles.com Email: [email protected] Fax: +507 263-7214 Email: [email protected] Durling & Durling QuinnOil www.afra.com P.O. Box 0816-06805, Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 265 1277 Tel: +507 263-8244 Fax: +507 265 3727 Almengor, Caballero & Asociados Fax: +507 263-8234 Email: [email protected] P.O. Box 0832-01425, Rep. of Panama Email: [email protected] www.quinnoil.com Tel: +507 213-0064 / 213-1127 www.durlinglaw.com Email: [email protected] Refinería Panama www.almengorlaw.com Fabrega, Molino & Mulino P.O. Box 0816-01491, Rep. of Panama P.O. Box 0816-00744, Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 433-8100 Arias B & Associates Tel: +507 263-5333 Fax: +507 433-8182 P.O. Box 0816-01110, Rep. of Panama Fax: +507 264-0181 Email: [email protected] Tel: +507 265-8303 Email: [email protected] Fax: +507 265-4402 www.fabamm.com www.abalaw.net
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Feoli & Co Fax: +507 264-6127 Tel: +507 264-9177 Tel: +507 264 0159 Email: [email protected] Fax: +507 264-0269 Fax: +507 264 0152 www.matapitti.com Email: [email protected] www.feolilaw.com www.rosaslaw.com Mauad & Mauad Franco & Franco P.O. Box 0823-05791, Rep. of Panama Ruben J. Levy & Co P.O. Box 0816-02033, Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 269-3555 P.O. Box 0831-01047, Rep. of Panama Fax: +507 263-8051 Fax: +507 263-8804 Tel: +507 223-1649/264-4897/57 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Fax: +507 269-1185 www.francoyfranco.com www.mauad.com.pa Email: [email protected]
Galindo, Arias & Lopez Mendoza, Arias, Valle & Castillo Rubio, Álvarez, Solís & Abrego P.O. Box 0816-03356, Rep. of Panama P.O. Box 0816-01376, Rep. of Panama P.O. Box 0819-00257, Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 303-0303 Tel: +507 270-7840 Tel: +507 269-0777 Fax: +507 303-0434 / 264-4049 Fax: +507 270-7848 Fax: +507 223-5686 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.gala.com.pa www.mavclex.com Shirley & Associates Gerli & Co Morgan & Morgan P.O. Box 0816-01557, Rep. of Panama P.O. Box 0831-2484, Rep. of Panama P.O. Box 0832-00232, Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 269-2255 Tel: +507 340-3770 / 3670 Tel: +507 265-7777 Fax: +507 269-1552 Fax: +507 340-3671 Fax: +507 265-7700 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.shirleylaw.com www.gerlico.com www.morimor.com Solís, Delgado & Guevara Icaza, Gonzáles-Ruiz & Alemán Mulino & Mulino P.O. Box 0816-00828, Rep. of Panama P.O. Box 0823-02435, Rep. of Panama P.O.Box: 0830-01661, Panama Tel: +507 264-0011 Tel: +507 205-6000 T: +507 322-9450, Fax: +507 830-6018 Fax: +507 269-1940 Fax: +507 269-4891 [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.solendeg.com www.icazalaw.com Panama Maritime Lawyers Panama: 77th Street, San Francisco, Sucre, Arias & Reyes Illueca y Associates Blg. 26, Panama City, Panama P.O. Box 0816-01832, Rep. of Panama P.O. Box 0832-01321, Rep. of Panama UK: 3 Lloyds Avenue, London, EC3N 3DS Tel: +507 264-1355 Tel: +507 263-9111 Tel: +507 315-0215, (UK): +44 203 036 Fax: +507 264-1168 Fax: +507 263-7908 0536 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.sucre.net www.illaso.com www.pml.com.pa Tapia, Linares & Alfaro Garrido & Garrido Patton, Moreno & Asvat P.O. Box 0816-02984, Rep. of Panama P.O. Box 0819-02750, Rep. of Panama P.O. Box 0819- 05911, Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 263-6066 Tel: +507 269-4416 Tel: +507 306-9600 Fax: +507 263-5305 Fax: +507 223-9415 Fax: +507 263-7887 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.talial.com www.garridoygarrido.com www.pmalawyers.com Torrijos & Associates Jacome & Jacome Pitty Legal Bureau P.O. Box 0831-01849, Rep. of Panama P.O. Box 0816-02334, Rep. of Panama P.O. Box 0843-01962 Tel: +507 226-6555 Tel: +507 223-8886 Balboa, Ancon, Rep. of Panama Fax: +507 226-5485 Fax: +507 223-9891 Tel: +507 262-8868 Email: [email protected] Email: jjacome@cableonda .net Fax: +507 262-8898 www.panamamaritime.com www.jacomeyjacome.com Email: [email protected] www.pittylaw.com Vallarino Vallarino & García Maritano Kosmas & Kosmas Tel: +507 212-5250 P.O. Box 0823-03972, Rep. of Panama Quijano & Associates Fax: +507 212-5270 Tel: +507 223-2783 P.O. Box 0816-02884, Rep. of Panama Email: [email protected] Fax: +507 213-8312 Tel: +507 269-2641 www.vvgm.com Email:[email protected] Fax: +507 263-8079 www.kosmasykosmas.com Email: [email protected] Vives & Asociados www.quijano.com P.O. Box 0816-01461, Rep. of Panama Legal Marine Tek Tel: +507 269-5215 Tel: +507 297-4686 Rivera, Bolívar, Castanedas Fax: +507 263-8401 Fax: +507 297-4686 P.O. Box 0819-08632, Rep. of Panama Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tel: +507 269-1127 / 433-2264 www.vivesyasociados.com www.intertekgroup.org Fax: +507269-5622 www.riveboca.com Wharton Law firm Lopez, Lopez & Associates Tel: +507 390-9144 P.O. Box 0832-0610, Rep. of Panama Robles & Robles Fax: +507 390-9145 Tel: +507 263-7670 P.O. Box 0816-04912, Rep. of Panama www.whartonattorney.com Fax: +507 264-5052 Tel: +507 269-0233 Email: [email protected] Fax: +507 269-2731 MARINE SUPPLIERS & CHANDLERS www.lopezlex.com Email: [email protected] Asap Ship Supplier www.robleslaw.com Tel: +507 446 3956 Mata & Pitti Email: [email protected] P.O. Box 0823-01310, Rep. of Panama Rosas & Rosas www.asapshipsupplier.com Tel: +507 264-5570 P.O. Box 0823-05658, Rep. of Panama
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Bas Marine Tel: +507 430-6187 DNV GL Tel: +507 3140789/90 Fax: +507 430-6016 Tel: +507 397 0750 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.dnvgl.com www.bas-marine.com Oceanco Safety & Supply (Panamax) Ferriby International Panama Blue Sea Ship Services Tel: +507 430-5233 Tel: +507 314 07 87 Tel: +507 834-7766 Fax: +507 430-0564 Fax: +507 314 07 86 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.blueseashipservices.com www.panamaxmarine.com Global Marine Surveys Centralam Panama S.A. Panama Life Boat P.O. Box 0843-02528, Rep. of Panama P.O. Box 0843-03116, Rep. of Panama P.O. Box 0819-05525 Tel: +507 314-0896 Tel: +507 317-6200 Tel: +507 237-5580 Fax: +507 314-0897 Fax: +507 317-6544 Fax: +507 237-5589 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Global Risk Management Electromar Services PPG Industries Panama, Inc. Tel: +507 306-8453 ext. 5282 P.O. Box 0823-01459, Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 317 65-53 Fax: +507 212-5260 Tel: +507 228-9983/84 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Fax: +507 228-9986 www.ppg.com www.globalrisk-services.com Email: [email protected] www.electromar.com PTY Ship Suppliers GST Panama Tel: +507 838-9806 Tel: +57 397 3584 Hi-Tek Marine Email: [email protected] [email protected] Tel: (+507) 261-6177 www.ptyss.com.pa Fax: (+507) 261-5780 IBS Maritime Group Email: [email protected] Protecsa P.O. Box 0832-1307, World Trade Center www.hitekmarine.com P.O. Box 0815-00680, Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 211 2122 Tel: +507 227-3533 Fax: +507 211 2273 Intermarine Supplies Inc. Fax: +507 227-1053 Email: [email protected] P.O. Box 0816-00387, Rep. of Panama www.protecsa.com.pa Tel: +507 232-7824/25/33 Intermaritime Group Fax: +507 232-7823 Robert Bosch Panama S.A. P.O. Box 0834-02764, Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 301-0960 Tel: +507 322-0013 Islamorada Internacional, S.A. Email: [email protected] Fax: +507 226-5386 P.O. Box 0843-00246, Rep. of Panama www.boschrexroth.com Email: [email protected] Tel: +507 228-4947 www.intermaritimeservices.com Fax: +507 211-0844 Resource Power Group Email: [email protected] Tel: +507 320 5075/320 5076 International Marine Experts www.islamorada.com [email protected] P.O. Box 0843-02416, Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 314-1756 IST Accounting Survitec Group Fax: +507314-1757 P.O. Box 0823 03939 Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 380-3646 Email: [email protected] Tel: +507 269-3517 / 264-0166 Email: panama.servicestation@ www.ime.com.pa Fax: +507 265-3510 survitecgroup.com Email: [email protected] www.suvitecgrou.com Isthmus Bureau of Shipping www.shippingradio.com P.O. Box 0832-1307, Rep. of Panama Tagaropulos International Tel: +507 211-2122 MarineCare Panama Inc. P.O. Box 0301-00124, Rep. of Panama Fax: +507 211-2280 P.O. Box 0819-03238, Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 441-4528/8161 Email: [email protected] Tel: +507 232-7833 Fax: +507 441-4728/445-0171 www.ibs.com.pa Fax: +507 232-7823 www.shipsupplies.com Email: [email protected] Kam & Associates www.marinecarepanama.com MARITIME INSPECTION & CONSULTANTS P.O. Box 3049, Zona Libre de Colón, American Bureau of Shipping Rep. of Panama Marine Metal Coatings P.O. Box 0819-11537, Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 431-0444 Ave. Omar Torrijos Herrera, Allbrook Field, Tel: +507 279-0377 Fax: +507 431-3799 Edificio BPA, Business Center, Oficina 208 Fax: +507 228-0911 Email: [email protected] Tel: +507 317 6535 /34 www.kampasa.com Email: [email protected] Aquamercantile Ltd www.mmc.com.pa Panama: 77th Street, San Francisco, Lloyd’s Register of Shipping Blg. 26, Panama City, Panama P.O. Box 0843-00274, Rep. of Panama MEC Stores UK: 3 Lloyds Avenue, London, EC3N 3DS Tel: +507 211-2711 P.O. Box 0830-00196, Rep. of Panama Tel: + 507 315-0215 (UK): +44 20 3036 Fax: +507 228-0330 Tel: +507 314-0179 0536 Email: [email protected] Fax: +507 314-0180 Email: [email protected] www.lr.org www.mecstores.com www.aqmltd.com National Shipping Adjusters/NASHA Mercantile Shipstores (MERCANSA) Asesoría, Inspecciones y Recobros S.A. Tel: +507 314-1934/35 P.O. Box 0301-02498 Rep. of Panama P.O. Box 0816-04143, Rep. of Panama Fax: +507 314-0409 Tel: +507 380 1400/32 Tel: +507 399-6900 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Fax: +507 399-6949 www.nashapanama.com www.mercansa.com Email: [email protected] www.airpma.net Panama Bureau of Shipping MISHAL, S.A. P.O. Box 36, Panama 9 A Panama P.O. Box 0302-00855, Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 223-3034
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Fax: +507 269-1168 CMA CGM Panama Inc. Maxindustrias S.A. Email: [email protected] P.O. Box 0823-03834 Tel.:+507 224-5050 www.pbs-tech.com Tel: +507 300-1440 Fax: +507 224-0055 Fax: +507 300-1433/34 www.max-industrias.com Panama Maritime Documentation Services Email: [email protected] P.O. Box 0831-01849, Rep. of Panama Ocean Network Express (Panama) Inc. Tel: +507 226-6555/226-6255 Cosco Panama Maritime S.A. P.O. Box 0818-00491, Rep. of Panama Fax: +507 226-5825/226-5485 P.O. Box 0843-03078, Tel: +507 300-3200 Email: [email protected] Rep. of Panama Fax: +507 300-3212 Tel: +507 223-9903/9886 www.one-line.com Panama Maritime Group Fax: +507 223-9821 Panama Maritime Building Email: [email protected] Compañía Marítime Company (PAMAR) 55-1849 Paitilla, Panama, Rep. of Panama www.coscopan.com P.O. Box 0843-02951, Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 226-6555 Tel: +507 211-1111, Fax: +507 211-3120 Fax: +507 226-5825 Crowley www.cmpgb.com www.panamamaritime.com Tel: +507 263-7266/7173 Fax: + 507 269-16 11 2 Ocean Marine Services S.A. SIDMAR P.O. Box 0823-01153, Panama, Tel: Panama: +507 314-1123 Tel: +507 272-8249 Rep of Panama Tel: Colón: +507 445-4145 Fax: +507 272-8222 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.2oceanmarine.com www.pancanal.com Diving Welding Services S.A. Tel: +507 445-2343 Panama Marine Survey Toplis & Harding (Panama) S.A. Email: [email protected] P.O. Box 0816-01686, Rep. of Panama P.O. Box 0819-01511 www.dwspanama.com Tel: +507 264-4392/4214 Tel: +507 263-7566/269-4066 Fax: +507 269-2027 Fax: +507 263-6982 IIASA Panama S.A. Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tel: +507 275-9000 www.pmscf.net Email: [email protected] Universal Shipping Bureau Inc. www.iiasacat.com Polestar Panama Tel: +507 236-3075 PO Box 0843-03099 Fax: +507 209-0261 Incostas Tel: +507 301-5748 Email: [email protected] Tel: +507 203-7777 ext. 413 Email: [email protected] www.usb.com.pa Email: [email protected] www.polestarglobal.com www.incostasnouel.com QRS Class Resource Power Group P.O. Box 0843-01754, Rep. of Panama Intercoastal Marine Inc. (IMI) Tel: +507 320 5075/320 5076 Tel: +507 203-8259/203-8239 P.O. Box 0843-02788 [email protected] Email: [email protected] Panama, Rep of Panama www.resourcepowergroup.com www.qrsclass.com Tel: +507 317-6670 Fax: +507 317-6186 SETIMSA MARITIME SERVICES Email: [email protected] Tel: +507 216-6024 Alfa Laval Panama www.imi.com.pa Fax: +507 216-6027 Tel: +507 306-2300 Email: [email protected] Fax: +507 306-2301 Intermaritime Group www.setimsa.com Email: [email protected] P.O. Box 0834-02764, Zona 9-A www.alfalaval.com Rep. of Panama Silkton Corp. Tel: +507 322-0013 Tel: +507 830-5000 Alpha Commercial Diving Services, S.A. Fax: +507 226-5386 Fax: +507 830-5007 Tel: +507 6579-6390 www.intermaritimeservices.com Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.silkton.com www.alphadivingpty.com Internacional Multiservicios P.O. Box 0819-03193, TESA Transporte y Equipo, S.A. Alvarado & Düring Rep. of Panama Vía Rdo J Alfaro - Entrada Urb Dos Mares Tel: +507 396-9148 Tel: +507 264-3178 Tel: +507 279-5300 Email: [email protected] Fax: +507 264-5947 www.tesa.com.pa www.alvaradoyduring.com www.panamashipping.com TSC Chartering APL de Panama S.A. Maersk Tel: +507 6010 9277 P.O. Box 0819-10050, Rep. of Panama P.O. Box 0833-0207, Rep. of Panama Email: [email protected] Tel: +507 236-3200/430-2030 Tel: +507 206-2200 Fax: +507 236-2065/430-2033 Fax: +507 206-2222 Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics www.apl.com Email: [email protected] Tel: +507 430-3138/3136 www.maerskline.com Fax: +507 430-3135 CHEC Panama S.A./China Harbour Email: [email protected] Engineering Company MAN Energy Solutions Tel: +507 394-8214 P.O. Box 0823-00508, Rep. of Panama X-press Feeders Fax: +507 934-8213 Tel: +507 317-1779 Tel: +507 214 6321 www.checlatin.com Fax: +507 317-1043 www.x-pressfeeder.com E: [email protected] China Shipping Agency (Central América) www.man.eu PORT OUTSOURCING / SERVICES P.O. Box 0832-2771, Rep. of Panama Action Forwarding Tel: +507 265-1190/430-2216 Maritime Affairs Group P.O. Box 0819- 06140, Rep. of Panama Fax: +507 265-7266/430-2117 Tel: +507 301-1677 Tel: +507 321-1504/445-0002 www.csaca.com Email: [email protected] Fax: +507 321-1506/445-0016 Email: [email protected]
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Advertising Index
AdvertiserÀPage
Autoridad Del Canal De Panama À ...... 4 Autoridad Maritima de Panama À ...... 2 Boskalis Panama S A. . À ...... IFC Centralam Panama SA À ...... 74 Colon Container Terminal SA À ...... 52 Colon LNG Marketing, S . de R .L . À ...... 58 Eco-Klean S A. . À ...... 108 Hubel Marine BV À ...... 62 Infante & Perez Almillano À ...... 108 Islamorada International SA À ...... 83/85/87 Jan de Nul Group (Sofidra SA) . À ...... 6 MAN Energy Solutions À ...... 70 Manzanillo International Terminal Panama SA À ...... 42 Marine Metal Coatings À ...... 72 Maxum Oil Service de Panama SA À ...... 62 Monjasa SA À ...... 10 Norton Lilly International (Panama), SA de Panama À ...... 88 Ocean Network Express (Panama) Inc À ...... 22 Oceanco Safety and Supply (Panamax) S .A . À ...... IBC Panama Maritime Group À ...... 92 Panama Ports Company SA À ...... 48 PATSA Petroamérica Terminal, S .A . À ...... 61 Patton, Moreno & Asvat À ...... 106 Polestar À ...... 40 PSA Panama International Terminal SA À ...... 54 Saudi Maritime CongressÀ ...... 30 Seatrade DirectoryÀ ...... 110 Seatrade Maritime Middle EastÀ ...... 32 Talleres Industriales International À ...... 8 Teixeira Duarte Engenharia E Construcoes SA À ...... 66 Vopak Panama Atlantic Inc À ...... 64
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Air Sea Worldwide Panama Colon 2000 (cruise) Tel: +507 441-4177/441- P.O. Box 0815-00883, Rep. of Panama P.O. Box 0816-01678, Rep. of Panama 6857/228-1028 Tel: +507 269-8988/431-0619 Tel: +507 227-2000/443-1657 Fax: +507 441-5078 Fax: +507 269-8061/430-2603 Fax: +507 263-5195 www.cbfenton.com Email: [email protected] www.colon2000.com www.airseaworldwide.com C. Fernie & Company Colon Container Terminal (CCT) P.O. Box 0843-00191, Rep. of Panama Dacotrans Aprile Panama S.A. P.O. Box 0301-03467, Cristobal Tel: +507 447-1443/433-2494 P.O. Box 0823-04406, Rep. of Panama Rep. of Panama Fax: +507 441-7504/441-4168 Tel: +507 263-7155/3146 Tel: +507 430-9500/430-9517 www.cfernie.com Fax: +507 263-7153 Fax: +507 430-9532 Email: [email protected] Email:[email protected] Central American Line P.O. Box 0816-04045, Rep. of Panama Ecu Line de Panama Colon Port Terminal (CPT) Tel: +507 236-1036 P.O. Box 0819-02017, Rep. of Panama P.O. Box 0302-00873, Rep. of Panama Fax: +507 236-1310 Tel: +507 236-1775/441-6037 Tel: +507 430-7330/31 Email: [email protected] Fax: +507 236-5702/441-6583 Fax: +507 430-7335 Email: [email protected] www.calpa.com Cross Roads Agencies P.O. Box 0843-01494, Rep. of Panama Forklift Center Fuerte Amador Puerto Cruceros, Tel: +507 269-3512 Tel: +507 398 9555 Panama (Cruise) Fax: +507 264-7190 [email protected] Tel: +507 314-1535 Email: [email protected] www.forkliftcenter.com Fax: +507 314-1162 www.fuerteamador.com French Shipping Agency JCB P.O. Box 0823-03834, Rep. of Panama Suite 345, APDO 0832-2745 ICTSI Americas Regional Headquarters Tel: +507 300-1440 World Trade Centre, Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 232 2658 Fax: +507 300 1434 Tel: +507 263-6181 www.cma-cgm.com Fax: +507 263-1083 Manzanillo International Terminal (MIT) P.O. Box 0302-00239, Rep. of Panama Inchcape Shipping Services Port Outsourcing Services S.A. Tel: +507 430-9800/430-9900/304-8200 P.O. Box 0823-05456, Rep. of Panama P.O. Box 0831-01849, Paitilla Fax: +507 430-9809/430-9899 Tel: +507 279-4100/433-0934 Panama, Rep. of Panama www.mitpan.com Fax: +507 236-7832/433-0938 Tel: +507 232-7350/8641 Email: [email protected] Fax: +507 232-7165 Panama Colon Container Port www.iss-shipping.com Email: [email protected] Tel/Fax: +507 215-4993 Intercaribe Zona Libre Port & Cargo Services Panama Ports Company P.O. Box 31001, Colón Zona Libre, P.O. Box 0830-00853, Rep. of Panama P.O. Box 0843-00574, Rep. of Panama Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 264-2861/9311 Tel: +507 232-6025/433-7900 Tel: +507 430-1945/47/53 Fax: +507 264-9311 Fax: +507 232-5380 Fax: +507 430-1950 Email: [email protected] www.hph.com.hk / www.ppc.com.pa Email: [email protected]
Tecniport PSA-Panama International Terminal S.A. JD Maritime Service S.A. Ancon Blvd and Cascada Road, P.O. Box 0832-1236, World Trade Center P.O. Box 0831-01853, Rep. of Panama Bldg No. 585, Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 378-3800 Tel: +507 211-9410 Tel: +507 207-5064/5063 Fax: +507 378-3801 Fax: +507 211-9450 Fax: +507 232-7165 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] SHIPPING AGENTS Marportmad Shipping & Logistic Inc. TGD Consolidations Agencias Continental Tel: +507 398-3017 P.O. Box 0831-01298, Rep. of Panama P.O. Box 0819-05530, Rep. of Panama Fax: +507 398-3014 Tel: +507 263-0033/430-1212 Tel: +507 300-1400/431-3331 Email: [email protected] Fax: +507 430-1821/263-0061 Fax: +507 300-1414/431-3335 www.marportmad.com Email: [email protected] www.agenco.com www.tgd.com.pa Navieramar Associated Steamship Agents Tel: +507 317-0628/447 1181 Unigreen Marine P.O. Box 0843-03057, Rep. of Panama Fax: +507-447 0488/317 0267 Tel: +507 270 71 50 Tel: +507 211-9400 Email: [email protected] 800-UMSA (8672) P.O. Box 0834-02769, Fax: +507 211-9450 Email: [email protected] Panama, Rep. of Panama www.shipsagent.com www.navieramar.com Email: [email protected] Barwill Agencies Norton Lilly International (Panama) UPS Freight P.O. Box 0843-01562, Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 3044600 P.O. Box 0831-01638, Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 263-7755/430-2455 Fax: +507 269 3906 Tel: +507 261-9190/431-0495 Fax: +507 223-0698/0736/430-2453 Email: [email protected] Fax: +507 430-0317/301-9190 www.barwil-panama.com www.nortonlilly.com.pa www.ups.com Boyd Steamship Corporation Nolkata PORTS & TERMINALS P.O. Box 0816-07817, Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 385-0063/385-0064 APM Terminals Tel: +507 263-6311/430-2884 Email: [email protected] P.O. Box 0833-0207, Rep. of Panama Fax: +507 269-9642/430-2853 www.nolkatamarine.com Tel: +507 271-8700 www.boydsteamship.com Fax: +507 271-8710 2 Ocean Marine Services Email: [email protected] C.B. Fenton & Co. Tel: +507 314 1123/445 41 45 www.apmterminals.com P.O. Box 0843-00307, Rep. of Panama Fax: +507 314 1124/445 0496
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Email: [email protected] Wilford & Mckay Email: [email protected] www.2Oceanmarine.com P.O. Box 0301-03415, Rep. of Panama www.asociacionbancaria.com Tel: +507 433-8544/211-9400 Pacific Agent Ship Panama Fax: +507 232-6266/433-8541 Cámara de Comercio, Industria y P.O. Box 0819-4546, Rep. of Panama Email: [email protected] Agricultura Tel: +507 269-2022/445-0166 www.wilfordmckay.com P.O. Box 0816-07517, Fax: +507 263-8742/441-4308 Rep. of Panama Email: [email protected] SHIPREPAIR Tel: +507 207-3400 Astillero Bayano Fax: +507 207-3421 Panama Agencies Company P.O. Box 9-096 Zona 9, Rep. of Panama Email: [email protected] P.O. Box 0843-00948 Tel: +507 296-8237 www.panacamara.com Tel: +507 315-0954/1868 Fax: +507 296-8298 Fax: +507 315-0968/1869 Email: [email protected] Asociación Panameña de Derecho Email: [email protected] www.astillerobayano.com Marítimo (APDM) P.O. Box 0831-01423, Panama Shipping Agency & Services Diesel Engine Services, Panama Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 213 89 01 Tel: +507 236-6500 Tel: +507 269-1333 Manuel Maria Icaza Avenue, PSAS building, Fax: +507 236-5249 Fax: +507 302-0107 1st floor, Panama, Rep. of Panama Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.pancanalagent.com www.dieselenginespanama.com www.apdm.org
PanCanal Shipping Agency MAN Energy Solutions Asociación Panameña de Ingenieros y P.O. Box 0831-01887, Rep. of Panama P.O. Box 0823-00508, Rep. of Panama Arquitectos (SPIA) Tel: +507 269-6300/441-4109 Tel: +507 317-1779 P.O. Box 0816-1116, Rep. of Panama Fax: +507 269-9362/269-1044/441-4002 Fax: +507 317-1043 Tel: +507 269-7734/35 www.pancaship.com Email: Fax: +507 223-7265 [email protected] Email: [email protected] Perez Panama www.man.eu www.spia-pma.org P.O. Box 0823-05192, Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 360-2213 /12 Marpol Engineering & Consultants Cámara Panameña de la Construcción Fax: +507 360-2215 P.O. Box 0830-00196, Rep. of Panama (CAPAC) (Chamber of Construction) Email: [email protected] Tel: +507 314-0179 P.O. Box 0816-02350, Fax: +507 314-0180 Rep. of Panama Rozo & Cia (Panama) S.A. www.marpolengineers.com Tel: +507 265-2500 Tel: + 507 264-5719 Fax: +507 265-2571 www.therozogroup.com.pa MEC Panama Email: [email protected] Tel: +507 314-0179 / 7340 www.capac.org Sea Cargo www.mecpanama.com P.O. Box 0816-00665, Rep. of Panama Chamber of Shipping Tel: +507 441-5420, Fax: +507 441-0707 Mesojlu P.O. Box 0819-03005, www.seaboardmarine.com Tel: +507 232-6897 Rep. of Panama Email: [email protected] Tel: +507 360-2165 Seaside Marine Agency www.mesolju.com Fax: +507 360-2166 P.O. Box 0843-01510 Email: [email protected] Tel.: +507 314 1123 Port and Services www.camaramaritima.org.pa Email: [email protected] Tel: +507 445-1342 www.portandservices.com Colegio de Abogados (Lawyers’ College) Servinaves P.O. Box 0816-03370, P.O. Box 0816-00031, Rep. of Panama Talleres Industriales International Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 263-0201/03/05 P.O. Box 0301-02161, Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 225-6371 Fax: +507 263-0251 Tel: +507 445-1044/445-1348/445-1378 Fax: +507 225-0189 Email: [email protected] Fax: +507 445-1104 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.cnapanama.com Sopisco Panama www.talleresindustriales.com P.O. Box 0301-03047 Rep. of Panama Panama Pacifico Tel: +507 430-3010 Wärtsilä Antigua Base Aérea de Howard Fax: +507 430-3017/16 P.O. Box 0843-01160, Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 316-3500 www.sopisco.com Tel: +507 304-7400 Email: [email protected] Fax: +507 304-1794 www.PanamaPacifico.com Transshiping Agents www.wartsila.com Tel: +507 397-9682 Sindicato de Industriales (SIP) Email: [email protected] TRADE & BUSINESS (Industrialists’ Union) www.transshipping-pty.com American Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 64798, El dorado, (AMCHAM) Rep. of Panama Unigreen Marine P.O. Box 0843-00152, Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 230-0169 P.O. Box 0834-02769, Rep. of Panama Tel: +507 269-3881 Fax: +507 230-0805 Tel: +507 270-7150/430-9000 Fax: +507 301-3882 Email: [email protected] Fax: +507 270-7146/430 9091 Email: [email protected] www.industriales.org www.unigreenmarine.com www.panamcham.com
Waypoint Services Asociación Bancaria de Panama Tel: +507 264 6490 P.O. Box 0816-00805, Email: [email protected] Rep. of Panama www.waipointports.com Tel: +507 263-7044 Fax: +507 263-7783
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IBC PMR19 Oceano 1 30/10/2019 12:20 PMR Cover-2019-20-No.2.indd 1 30/10/2019 09:58