Recently, the Directorate General of Merchant Marine (DGMM), under the Panama Maritime Authority (PMA), successfully renewed its ISO 9001:2015 quality management system certification following a comprehensive external audit conducted by France’s Bureau Veritas (BV). This achievement confirms that the world’s largest ship registry continues to operate in accordance with internationally recognised standards, maintaining high performance in efficiency, transparency, and continuous improvement.

As a major flag state, Panama has long earned the trust of the international maritime community through stable and reliable services. This recertification is not only an authoritative validation of the effectiveness of its internal management processes but also sends a clear signal to shipowners, operators, and stakeholders worldwide: in the face of increasingly stringent regulatory requirements, digital transformation, and evolving customer expectations, Panama is continuously optimising its service system to maintain a competitive edge in a fiercely competitive market.

At the certificate presentation ceremony, Director General of the DGMM, Ramón Franco, emphasised that this certification goes far beyond mere compliance with an international standard. “It reflects the culture we have built within the DGMM. We are not just a registration authority; we deliver competitive, world-class services with leadership and excellence, striving to exceed the expectations of all stakeholders,” said Franco. He noted that the quality management system has become a key tool for strengthening maritime safety, security, pollution prevention, and internal process optimisation, providing solid support for the registry’s day-to-day operations and long-term strategy.

As international maritime regulations, sustainability requirements, and customer demands continue to evolve, the quality management system has transformed from a purely administrative instrument into a strategic asset that enhances resilience, raises operational standards, and sustains long-term competitiveness. With this renewal, Panama once again demonstrates its firm commitment to continuous improvement and further consolidates the reputation of the Panamanian flag as one of the world’s most trusted and influential flags—backed by a management framework that fully aligns with the highest international standards.