The Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) has taken immediate and decisive action

The Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) has taken immediate and decisive action in response to the recent inclusion of a company, a Panamanian citizen, and 17 vessels registered under the Panamanian Ship Registry on the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions list.

The measures implemented include:

  • Initiation of the deregistration process for the 17 sanctioned vessels, in accordance with Executive Decree No. 512 dated October 18, 2024.
  • Enforcement of corresponding actions against the economic group and the sanctioned company.

As a preventive measure, the PMA has reinforced its control mechanisms to prevent the inclusion of unauthorized actors under the Panamanian flag. All vessels applying for registration, as well as their owners, operators, and charterers, must now undergo a rigorous due diligence process.

The PMA reaffirms its strong commitment to a zero-tolerance policy regarding the misuse of the Ship Registry and remains firm in excluding vessels, companies, service providers, and other stakeholders listed on international sanctions lists recognized by the Panamanian State.

Republic of Panama

August 4, 2025

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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.