Strengthening Maritime Cooperation in Hiroshima

“Fleet Optimization: Efficiency and Compliance” seminar reinforces the relationship between the Panama Ship Registry and key players in the Japanese maritime sector. 

Hiroshima, Japan — April 16, 2026. Ramón Franco, Director General of Merchant Marine at the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP), led a technical seminar titled “Fleet Optimization: Efficiency and Compliance” in Hiroshima, organized by the Consulate General of Panama in Kobe and SEGUMAR Imabari. 

The event brought together over 45 companies from western Japan, serving as a strategic forum to strengthen cooperation between the Panama Ship Registry and key stakeholders in the regional maritime sector. The opening remarks were delivered by the Consul General, who highlighted Panama’s commitment to transparency, operational excellence, and ongoing support for Japanese shipowners—foundational pillars of the Panamanian flag’s leadership. 

The seminar featured distinguished speakers from Hiroshima Bank, ClassNK, Gard P&I Japan, and SEGUMAR Imabari, who formed a high-level technical panel. This synergy enabled a rigorous examination of issues surrounding Port State Control (PSC) inspections in China, providing statistical and technical analysis that helped alleviate uncertainty within the sector. 

Addressing an audience of senior executives, the presentation offered a clear assessment distinguishing between detentions caused by technical deficiencies and those linked to geopolitical factors, thereby instilling clarity and confidence among the shipowners in attendance. 

The event in Hiroshima reaffirmed the Panama Ship Registry’s position as a global leader in ship registration, strengthening its standing with strategic companies and solidifying cooperation with key partners in the Japanese maritime sector. 

Scroll to Top

Welcome

The Panama Canal

On behalf of our country, we are pleased to Welcome you to the Website of The General Consulate of Panama, in Kobe Japan.

It is an honor to serve as Consul General of this office which has its consular jurisdiction over the Fukui, Kinki, Chugoku, Shikoku and Kyushu regions.

We are located in the second metropolitan region of Japan and in one of the largest shipping centers of the world. Furthermore, we supervise and work together as a team with the office of the Panama Maritime Authority located in the city of Imabari, which is a sister city of Panama city.

Our office essentially provides Maritime and Consular Services along with the promotion of the Panamanian culture and the enhancement of the trade and academic relationships between Panama and the people, companies and institutions of western Japan.

This site aims to provide general information about our country, the Panama Merchant Marine along with other consular and cultural services that our office provides within western Japan, giving you a better understanding of the role and functions of our Office.