Rotterdam, 19 October 2026
On Friday, 16 October 2026, Hubel Marine B.V. welcomed a delegation of three senior representatives from the Panama Maritime Authority (PMA), together with the Consul of Panama, Mr. Eduardo Marquez, for an extensive meeting at its Rotterdam office.
The delegation was led by Mr. Ramón Franco, Director General of the Merchant Marine.
A Connection Dating Back to 1994
To mark the occasion, Hubel Marine had placed an original Panama Maritime Authority brochure from 1994 on the meeting table.
The brochure represented more than a historical document. It marked the year in which Hubel Marine’s Managing Director, Erik de Koning, became actively involved in the Panama Ship Registry through his father, Jaques de Koning.
What began more than three decades ago developed into a long-standing professional relationship with one of the world’s major ship registries.
Throughout these years, Hubel Marine has witnessed significant developments in international shipping, changes in maritime regulations, and the evolution of the Panama Ship Registry.
Open Discussions on Today’s Maritime Challenges
The meeting provided an excellent opportunity to discuss the current position and future development of the Panama flag.
Particular attention was given to the practical challenges encountered in daily operations, including communication between departments, administrative efficiency, processing times, and the importance of consistent and reliable services to shipowners and operators.
The discussions also addressed broader industry challenges, including fleet quality, international compliance requirements, sanctions-related risks, and the importance of preventive oversight.
Recent PMA initiatives, including the Pre-Registration Assessment (Pre-Check) and the Performance Monitoring Accelerated Program (PMAP), reflect the growing importance of risk management and maintaining high operational standards throughout the life of a vessel.
For Hubel Marine, these initiatives must go hand in hand with efficient administrative procedures, clear communication, and a service-oriented approach.
Experience and Constructive Dialogue
With more than 32 years of involvement in the Panama Ship Registry, Hubel Marine values the opportunity to provide direct feedback based on its daily experience representing shipowners and operators.
The company believes that close cooperation between the Maritime Authority, its international representatives, and the shipping community is essential to maintaining confidence in the Panama flag.
“A successful ship registry is not measured by fleet size alone. The quality of its services, the efficiency of its administration, and the confidence of shipowners are equally important.”
The meeting was conducted in an open and constructive atmosphere, with valuable exchanges on both current challenges and opportunities for further improvement.
Looking Ahead
Hubel Marine sincerely appreciates the time taken by Mr. Ramón Franco, his colleagues, and Consul Eduardo Marquez to visit its office.
The visit underlined the importance of maintaining personal relationships and direct communication between the Panama Maritime Authority and its international representatives.
After more than three decades, Hubel Marine remains committed to supporting the Panama Ship Registry and contributing to its continued development as a reliable and competitive international maritime flag.
