Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels

Action Date: 06/08/2025

Panama Maritime Authority, via Merchant Marine Circular 217 (available here) has restructured its requirements for Ship-to-Ship (STS) transfer operations involving Panama-flagged oil tankers ≥150 GT, in response to growing concerns about illegal transhipments.

All relevant oil tankers must carry an approved STS Operations Plan on board. Plans must follow IMO and industry guidelines and be updated to include flag-state notification requirements. Effective 6 August 2025, oil tankers must notify the Panama Flag State of STS operations at least 48 hours in advance via the E-Segumar Platform. An acknowledgment must be kept on board for 3 years.

The STS transfer notification must include the following details:

1. The name, flag, call sign, IMO number, and estimated time of arrival (ETA) of each oil tanker involved in the STS operation.
2. The date, time, and geographic coordinates where the STS transfer operation is scheduled to commence.
3. The mode of operation, specifying whether the STS transfer will take place at anchor or underway.
4. The type and quantity of oil to be transferred during the operation.
5. The anticipated duration of the STS transfer activity.
6. The contact details of the Designated Person Ashore (DPA) for each vessel involved, including email address and telephone number.
7. A declaration confirming that the oil tanker has on board an STS Operations Plan that meets the requirements of Regulation 41, Annex I of the MARPOL Convention.

Notifications are especially required for mid-ocean STS transfers, with specific details (e.g., vessels involved, time, location, oil type, DPA contact). STS transfers with sanctioned vessels are strictly prohibited.

Ships must ensure their AIS and LRIT systems are fully operational during STS activities, per SOLAS Chapter V.

• Update STS plans before the next IOPP survey after 6 August 2025.

• Coordinate with Recognized Organizations (ROs) for approval of the updated plans.

• Non-compliance or late notification may result in operational restrictions or sanctions.

For Managers and ROs:

•           Update STS plans before the next IOPP survey after 6 August 2025.

•           Coordinate with Recognized Organizations (ROs) for approval of the updated plans.

•           Non-compliance or late notification may result in operational restrictions or sanctions.

For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at technical@phrs.gr .