MV Wakashio update: Panama defends its registry
The Panama Ship Registry said it “deeply regrets” the grounding of the Japanese-owned and Panamanian-registered MV Wakashio in Mauritius and subsequent oil spill. In a statement, the Panamanian Ship Registry said it is conducting the relevant investigations under the rules of the Code for the Investigation of Marine Casualties and Incidents.
Panama spoke out about the accident defending its registry of the bulk carrier Wakashio regarding the cause of the accident in response to the numerous accusations on social media. The Panama Maritime Authority issued a strong statement saying, “The Panama Ship Registry wants to respond to an unfortunate video circulating on social media which, which is slanderous, defamatory, disrespectful and evil intentioned not only for the Panama Ship Registry but also our country and the way we do corporate business. It shows a total absence of knowledge on what are the international regulations that govern the maritime industry worldwide and more flagrantly, what is the Panama Ship Registry.”
The Panamanian Registry has provided information about the vessel and its history prior to the date of the accident. Panama’s three-page statement went on to defend the safety of the shipping industry. They also summarized the Wakashio’s inspections and the certificates for the ship and its crew. They also refuted claims that Panama had flagged “vessels of dubious origin,” or that it permitted the use of “cheap labor.”
“It is not only unfair but totally inaccurate putting the blame of this accident on the Panama Ship Registry for the only fact that the vessel is registered under the flag of Panama.”
Source: Maritime Executive
Author: Bernice Noi Tetteh
