The Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) proudly represented the nation at the 133rd Session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council. Leading the Panamanian delegation were Ramón Franco, Director General of the Merchant Marine (DGMM), and Ambassador Luis Bernal, Panama’s Permanent Representative to the IMO.
During the event, Mr. Franco met with IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Domínguez in London to discuss pivotal topics aimed at advancing sustainability in the maritime industry. Their dialogue also explored new initiatives by the Panamanian registry, focusing on international compliance and efforts to achieve decarbonization.
The Director General and Ambassador Bernal seized the opportunity to engage in a series of strategic meetings with prominent leaders from the global maritime sector.
In a key discussion with Robert Ashdown, Secretary-General of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), and Konstantin A. Petrov, IACS’ accredited representative to the IMO, the delegation underscored the critical role of collaboration between Recognized Organizations (ROs) and ship registries, such as Panama’s. This partnership is essential to ensuring compliance with international standards while safeguarding the safety and efficiency of the global fleet.
Mr. Franco also held talks with the Director General of the International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO), focusing on shared priorities in maritime satellite communications and their contribution to safety and environmental protection.
The Panamanian delegation further strengthened ties with the international community during a visit to the Joint Maritime Security Centre, where they engaged in productive discussions on key maritime security challenges.
“These meetings underscore Panama’s unwavering commitment to active leadership in the global maritime agenda,” Franco remarked, “and reaffirm our position as a trusted and efficient ship registry.”
