Panama Takes Action Against Sanctioned Ships

The Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) has initiated the expedited cancellation of six Panamanian-flagged vessels recently added to the UK’s sanctions list.  The UK has sanctioned more Russian-linked shadow ships than any country, its latest package being announced a week ago. The London-headquartered Barbados Maritime Ship Registry remains the flag with the highest number of UK-sanctioned ships on its books, accounting for more than 40% of the 73 tankers targeted by the UK since Keir Starmer became British prime minister in early July.  “The state has a fundamental responsibility to protect the integrity of the Panamanian ship registry, ensuring it remains free from international sanctions and unlinked to vessels associated with such listings,” said Ramón Franco, director-general of merchant marine in Panama.  Data shows that in November, the flags of Gabon, Liberia, and Cook Islands removed the most grey and sanctioned ships from their registries.