Panama, China Renew Maritime Transport Agreement

The Panama Maritime Authority, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama, has renewed the Agreement on Maritime Transport between the governments of China and Panama.

The agreement took effect July 20, 2021, at the end of the renewal process between the Panamanian and Chinese authorities. 

However, in order to avoid interrupting its implementation it was considered that from May 17, 2021, until its entry into force, both parties would continue to benefit from its provisions.

"The agreement renewal will be extended to five years, up from three years, and will strengthen trade relations between the two nations, and Panama Ship Registry‘s commitment to its users entering ports located in the People's Republic of China," the Panama Maritime Authority said.

The Panama Maritime Authority said the renewal represented a series of unique advantages for shipowners who have registered their vessels under the Panamanian flag.

Below is the list of these advantages, as shared by the Panama Maritime Authority:

•Appropriate measures to facilitate and expedite maritime transport to avoid unnecessary delays; granting favorable treatment in the collection of tonnage fees based on preferential rates.

•Promote maritime and port development; full and efficient use of the maritime fleet to meet foreign trade demand.

•Ensure the safety of navigation and protection of the environment (including the safety of vessels, crews, passengers and cargo).

•Improve the business relationship and exchange of scientific and technological experiences; and exchange information on international maritime organizations and conventions.

•Include the protection of the maritime environment, the development of marine resources, the observation of the sea, forecasting and warning of natural disasters and research, development and training on marine maritime issues.

•Promote the supply of services to Panama-flagged vessels.

•Increase the demand for maritime transport services for export and industrial production.

•Maintain close relations that allow free and unimpeded access of Panama-flagged vessels for cargo traffic to and from China.

The Panama merchant fleet’s vessels will maintain the same uninterrupted port tariffs benefits and preferential treatment in the ports of the People's Republic of China, reaffirming the status of "Most Favored Nation," the port authority said.

This Agreement on Maritime Transport is based on equality, mutual benefit, freedom of navigation and the principle of non-discrimination for Panama-flagged vessels operating in Chinese ports.