The management and procedures related to vessel registration in Panama will take a qualitative leap toward modernization and efficiency in less than a week.
In a move of great significance for the global maritime industry, the Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) has marked a turning point in the management of its services with the launch of the first phase of its ambitious Electronic Vessel Registry (REN).
Panama, offers the world two vital registry services – ship registration through the General Directorate of the Merchant Marine (DGMM) and the Public Registry of Ship Ownership of Panama (DGRPN), which manages the documentation and the certification of property titles, mortgages, and naval liens. The implementation of an innovative customer service system, supported by highly trained specialists, is the cornerstone of this strategy.
Marta Aparicio, Director General of The DGRPN, emphasizes the urgency and vision driving this initiative: “We cannot subject our users to the unnecessary bureaucracy. We aspire to comprehensive, non-sectoral excellence, which is why we must be on par with, and even surpass, our competitors. The work is arduous and complex, but cannot be postponed.” In this context, the REN emerges as a response to the demands of the 21st century, easing real-time connection with global maritime sector players.
An Urgent Response
The REN has advanced through continuous testing and thoughtful adaptation, ensuring it evolves to meet the real needs of the sector. This ongoing process helps deliver essential features for efficient operation. Regular feedback sessions with developers play a key role in shaping a final design that aligns closely with users’ day-to-day realities.
One of the main goals of the REN is to unify the management systems of the DGMM and DGRPN. This integration will simplify procedures for both national and international users through an intuitive web-based platform. The tool is designed to enable remote access for inquiries, application tracking, and submissions—removing geographical barriers and significantly streamlining processing times.
Ms. Aparicio emphasizes the commitment to user experience and information security: “The team developing the REN is working on an increasingly user-friendly interface for electronic navigation. A comprehensive set of cybersecurity measures has been established to safeguard the confidentiality of operations and ensure the privacy of procedures; all without compromising the integrity of due diligence protocols.”
Rommel Troetsch, former president of the Panama Chamber of Shipping highlights the significance of this project: “The commercial activity of the Panamanian registry operates largely abroad and urgently needs modernization. This automation initiative should eventually extend to all port services, including auxiliary maritime industries, fuel sales, and other maritime operations overseen by the PMA—capitalizing on Panama’s highly strategic geographic position.”
The Voice of the Users
Giselle Veliz, of G&L Associate, offers her perspective: “The qualified electronic signature and the centralization of information in a single database are fundamental aspects of the REN. Not only does it update document validation, but it also provides greater certainty and reliability in transactions.”
Ariel Padilla, of Global Maritime Consultant Group Panama, comments: “A user-friendly interface and easy access to the new system are essential for successful adoption worldwide. The ability to submit inquiries and track procedures online will strengthen the relationship between the Panamanian registry and its global clients.”
The Secret is in the Details
As part of its continuous efforts to improve the user experience, the Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) has enabled online payments through its website, accepting both Visa and Mastercard. Additionally, physical points of sale have been established in Diablo Heights and Puerto Panamá, offering more flexibility for users. The DGRPN has also introduced a dedicated email address (consultasdgrpn@amp.gob.pa) to ensure timely and efficient responses to user inquiries.
Ramón Franco, Director General of the Merchant Marine at the PMA, emphasizes the strategic importance of this initiative: “Implementing modern, custom-built platforms is essential for maintaining our international leadership. These tools allow us to restructure response times and tracking processes for the Panamanian fleet, enhancing the experience for our nearly 9,000 registered vessels. This reinforces our standing as the world’s largest open registry.”
Panama’s launch of the first phase of the REN reflects its firm commitment to innovation and excellence in the maritime sector. This step forward in digital transformation not only optimizes the services of the Panamanian registry but also strengthens the country’s central role in global maritime trade. By paving the way for easier, faster, and more secure digital operations, Panama is ushering in a new era of efficiency for the global maritime community.
Source: Panama Press Release