PMA revised MMC 404 which contains measures adopted to enhance the performance of the Panamanian
Merchant Fleet. THe circular with checklist was initially issued in July 2025 and now the checklist has been revised.
In the months of March more than 21% of the vessel was detained by Chinese PSC, which is said to be fallout of the decision by Panama Supreme court decision on Balboa and Cristóbal terminals.
On January 30, 2026, Panama’s Supreme Court invalidated the legal framework supporting Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison’s concession to operate the Balboa and Cristóbal terminals on the Pacific and Atlantic sides of the Panama Canal. The decision followed an audit that uncovered alleged irregularities and raised questions about the concession’s legal basis. Following the ruling, the Panamanian government appointed U.S. subsidiaries Maersk APM Terminals and Mediterranean Shipping Company’s (MSC) Terminal Investment Limited as interim operators under 18-month agreements. CK Hutchison has rejected the ruling, initiated legal proceedings against the Panamanian government, and has steadily escalated its arbitration campaign – including new actions filed as recently as March 24, which seek more than $2 billion in damages.
In the month of march the overall detention noted as 8.6% however for Panama flag vessel it was more than 21%. There were 434 Panamanian vessel inspected and out of which 92 vessels were detained.