Panama Ship Registry Obtains ISO 9001:2015 Recertification

The General Directorate of Merchant Marine (DGMM) of the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) obtained recertification for its Quality Management System under the ISO 9001:2015 standard, a recognition that supports the effectiveness of its processes and strengthens the confidence of shipowners, operators, and clients of the Panamanian ship registry in the international maritime market.

The certification, granted by Bureau Veritas after an external audit process, confirms that the institution maintains procedures aligned with international quality standards, aimed at continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and stakeholder satisfaction.

During the award ceremony, the Director General of Merchant Marine, Ramón Franco, emphasized that the recertification represents much more than compliance with an international requirement, as it consolidates an institutional culture focused on excellence and the provision of world-class services.

"We are not just administrators of a registry; we provide a competitive service with leadership and excellence that exceeds the expectations of our stakeholders," said Franco, adding that this management system strengthens strategic areas such as safety of human life at sea, maritime protection, pollution prevention, and process efficiency.

For his part, José Chong, representative of the certifying company Bureau Veritas, explained that the ISO 9001:2015 standard is today a fundamental standard for organizations participating in the maritime industry, as it ensures that their processes are permanently evaluated and subject to continuous improvement mechanisms.

"Displaying this recertification is a guarantee that Panama offers regarding its commitment to providing the best service in terms of registration," Chong noted, highlighting that maintaining this recognition requires constant training, internal and external audits, as well as a permanent commitment to quality.

He added that the biggest challenge for any organization is not obtaining certification, but maintaining it through sustained compliance with the standard's requirements, an aspect that strengthens competitiveness and generates greater confidence among clients and international markets.

With this recertification, the General Directorate of Merchant Marine reaffirms its commitment to the continuous improvement of its processes and to the strengthening of the Panamanian Ship Registry, one of the main references in the global maritime industry, supporting management based on international quality standards.