Panama Confirms Vessels Sanctioned by UK and US Are Not in Its Registry
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The Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) announced that none of the vessels sanctioned by the United Kingdom on October 8, 2026, as part of restrictions against Russia's so-called 'shadow fleet,' are currently registered under the Panama Ship Registry.
Vessels deregistered prior to the British sanctions
According to the AMP statement, six vessels that appeared on the United Kingdom's list had already been removed from the Panamanian registry before the list was published: Bellaris (IMO 9332614) and Daphne V (IMO 9321677), deregistered on May 6, 2026; Dakar (IMO 9283734), deregistered on August 6, 2026; Anaya (IMO 9326885), deregistered on April 4, 2026; Virent (IMO 9332171), deregistered on July 23, 2026; and Yehope (IMO 9243320), deregistered on January 29, 2026.
Warning regarding vessel tracking platforms
The AMP noted that some vessel tracking and monitoring companies may show delays in updating vessels' registry status, which could lead to discrepancies between public records and the actual condition of the vessels. It therefore emphasized that the Panama Ship Registry maintains continuous oversight of its fleet and carries out the corresponding verifications to ensure the accuracy of its data.
Three Panamanian-flagged vessels on the OFAC list
Regarding the list published that same day, October 8, 2026, by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the AMP identified three Panamanian-flagged vessels: Bitu (IMO 9531765), Starway (IMO 9273246) and Mackerel (IMO 9234628). These vessels were restricted in the AMP's system and the ex officio deregistration process was initiated against them, in accordance with Executive Decree No. 512 of October 28, 2024.
Commitment to international obligations
The AMP condemned all illicit and criminal activity that endangers human life and international security, reaffirming its commitment to complying with international obligations and to taking action against those who pose a threat to regional stability and to international peace and security. The authority also stressed the importance of protecting the reputation and integrity of the Panamanian Merchant Marine, at a time when Panama is weighing reforms to its ship registry, the largest in the world, in order to strengthen its competitiveness amid tensions over the treatment of Panamanian-flagged vessels in foreign ports.
