PANAMA MARITIME AUTHORITY
Enhanced technology
the AMP and the Ship Registry by upgrading broadband facilities to have more capacity with more equipment. The relocation of the AMP to the
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former Albrook base has permitted the digitising of its internal systems, creating an electronic network that connects AMP offices with its bureaus in London, New York and Manila, as well as Panama’s 80 Consulates around the world while having all the Authority’s directorates and sections united under the same roof. ‘We have gone a step further by improving processes,’ says Linares. The digitalised seafarers IDs, the
‘seafarer passport’ is now implemented with the digitising of all the documents related to the vessels registered under the Panama flag (over 9,000 vessels’ files) giving ship owners and ship managers access online for viewing and processing requests for licences, modifications, patents, certifications, exemptions and others. The Maritime Law 57 on Merchant Marine, Law 55 on the Code of Maritime Trade and the General Law 56 on Ports, came into force at the beginning of February 2009. The Merchant Marine Law, in its Chapter XIV, article 174 stipulates that the Administrator of the Panama Maritime Authority shall be considered as Minister without portfolio for the purposes of its participation and appearance at the Cabinet Council. Since the implementation of Law 57,
PANAMA MARITIME REVIEW 2011/12
he Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) administrator, Roberto Linares has concentrated on enhancing technology for both
‘The new system still remains a complicated process that we must adjust to create a more friendly business environment.’
the Administrator also receives the title of Minister of Maritime Affairs. In January 2008, the AMP approved
new internal rules that terminate the old system of concessions. These concessions have been replaced by a registration and licence given by the AMP and opened to every company wanting to enter the maritime business. ‘The new system, with clear rules that guarantee the private sector investment, still remains a complicated process that we must adjust to create a more friendly business environment,’ says Linares.
‘But the law gives the AMP ability to grant concessions directly to what is called ‘port area’ without the necessity to go to tender,’ he explains, noting that the formula of international bid remains in force. ‘We are preparing the specifications of an international bid for Braswell Shipyards since its concession ends in October 2011,’ he says. More than ten international and domestic companies have shown interest in participating. The AMP administrator has given full
support to the improvement of the Registry with the opening in mid-2010 of several technical offices round the world, a measure that has pleased ship owners and law firms dedicated to maritime affairs. The creation of Registrar’s offices in China and in Europe, and the launching of two Segumar technical offices in Tokyo and Piraeus have been well received and applauded by customers. Segumar new offices and Japan and
Roberto Linares, AMP administrator
Greece provide ship owners with a quick response as they can process all
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