Maritime Law

The Republic of Panama has one of the most prominent merchant navies in the world, given the registry system that our country has followed since 1925.

This registration system was intensified with the enactment of Law 57 of 2008, which regulates the Merchant Marine and the Flagging of Ships in Panama. The registry system of the Merchant Marine in Panama is based on the so-called open registry.

In addition to this, with the enactment of Law 55 of August 6, 2008 on Maritime Commerce, the compass for this type of commerce is further opened by regulating the different types of contracts that are given in maritime matters such as chartering, insurance, among others.
Advantages of the Flagging of Ships in Panama

The Flagging of Ships in Panama offers many advantages of interest to all those ship owners who wish to register them under the Panamanian flag.

Here are some of the advantages that our registries offer:

• Any Person, whether Natural or Legal, of any nationality or place of incorporation, has the right to register Ships under the Panamanian flag.
• There is no required tonnage limit.
• It is not necessary to re-inspection ships owned by owners who wish to transfer them to the Panamanian flag, as long as they carry certificates duly recognized by a classified safety and tonnage organization.
• The process of Flagging Vessels in Panama is quick and easy.
• In the process of the Flagging of Ships in Panama, once the provisional navigation patent is obtained, the Law grants six (6) months to comply with the requirements and thus opt for the definitive patent.

Services offered by the Firm on Flagging of Ships in Panama

Our attorneys offer legal services in the Flagging of Ships in Panama, including processing and obtaining ship registrations, preparation of contracts of sale and naval mortgages, charter contracts, certifications, among others. Our legal office in turn processes before the Maritime Courts of Panama.

In addition, our Firm offers the following services:

• Flagging of Ships in Panama.
• Registrations and Cancellations of Naval Mortgages.
• Special Navigation License.
• Change of Name of Owner and / or change of Name of the Ship
  Radio License.
• Maritime Litigation.
• Advice on the sale of Ships and financial transactions, charter contracts, towing and salvage contracts.
• Reservation of the name of the ship.