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Collection of Maritime and Bunker Debts in Transit: Arrest of Vessels in Panama for Creditors

Collection of Maritime and Bunker Debts in Transit: Arrest of Ships in Panama for Creditors.

Author

Martha Navarro
Founding Partner

In the dynamic maritime sector, the flow of credit is vital. Suppliers of marine fuel (bunker)companies ship's stores and provisionsand other maritime creditors often extend credit in reliance on the good faith of shipowners and operators. However, when shipowners and shipowners or charterers do not comply with their payment obligationscreditors face a significant challenge: how to recover maritime debts of globally operating entities whose only tangible connection to you might be the eventual transit of your vessels through the Panama Canal?

At NAVARRO & NAVARROwe are lawyers specializing in the recovery of maritime credits in Panama and we understand the frustration and financial impact caused by the unpaid bunker invoices and the debts for the supply of provisions to ships.

The Challenge: Collecting Debts from International Shipowners and Vessel Operators

Charge debts of international shipowners o evasive chartererscan be an arduous process. The unpaid invoices for bunker supply, ship suppliesThe pursuit of these debtors across multiple jurisdictions is often costly, time-consuming and, unfortunately, can be unsuccessful, especially if the debtor does not have readily available assets that can be easily located. Pursuing these debtors across multiple jurisdictions is often costly, time-consuming and, unfortunately, can be unsuccessful, especially if the debtor does not have readily traceable assets in your jurisdiction.

Panama's Strategic Solution: The Preventive Arrest of Vessels (Forum Arresti) to Secure Collection of Receipts

Panama, thanks to its geographic position and the intense maritime traffic through the Canal, offers a powerful and effective legal solution for creditors: the preventive arrest of the vessel (known as forum arresti).

  • How does the Arrest of Ships for Debts work in Panama? If the debtor vessel -or a "sister ship" belonging to the same owner or economic group- transits through the Panama Canal or is located in Panamanian jurisdictional waters, our Maritime Courtshave the power to order their physical detention.
  • Decisive Pressure Measurement: This vessel seizure is not only a procedural step; it is an immensely effective commercial pressure measure. A detained vessel represents significant daily costs for the shipowner (loss of freight, port costs, etc.), which often encourages the shipowner to settle the outstanding debt for bunker or provisions or, at least, to offer a satisfactory payment guarantee to release the vessel.
  • Securing Your Claim: The arrest also serves to secure your credit by obtaining collateral (such as a bond or judicial deposit) against which you can enforce a future favorable judgment.

What Types of Maritime Debts can be the basis for a Ship Arrest in Panama?

  1. Panamanian maritime legislation is creditor-friendly and allows the arrest of vessels for a wide range of maritime claims. If you are a unpaid bunker supplier or a supply company with overdue invoicesis in a strong position. The types of debts that can commonly give rise to these actions in Panama include, among others:

    • Unpaid invoices for the supply of marine fuel (bunkering).
    • Accounts payable for supplies, provisions and stores delivered to the vessel for operation and maintenance.
    • Claims for ship repair services.
    • Port costs and expenses.
    • Wages owed to the crew.
    • Claims for damage caused by the vessel (collisions, pollution).
    • Claims related to charter contracts.

Advantages of Using Panama Maritime Courts for the Collection of your Maritime Claims

  1. Global Strategic Jurisdiction: The Panama Canal is a bottleneck for world trade. The probability of the debtor ship or a sister ship transiting our waters is high, providing a unique opportunity to act.
  2. Streamlined and Efficient Arrest Process: Our Specialized Maritime Courts are recognized for their speed and efficiency. The vessel arrest procedure in Panama is designed to be fast, allowing creditors to act promptly to protect their interests.
  3. Powerful Negotiation Tool: The simple act of initiating a vessel seizure process in Panama may be sufficient for the debtor to seek a negotiated solution.
  4. Application of Laws and Recognition of International Maritime Credits: Our courts have experience in the application of international conventions and in the recognition of various types of privileged maritime credits (maritime liens).
  5. Language and Proximity for Latin American Creditors: For companies in the region, litigating in Spanish and in a compatible time zone represents a significant advantage.

NAVARRO & NAVARRO: Your Panama Maritime Debt Collection and Vessel Arrest Experts

At NAVARRO & NAVARROwe are lawyers specialized in maritime debt collection in Panamaincluding those derived from the unpaid bunker supply y ship supplies. We understand the urgency of recovering your funds and the strategic importance of the arrest of ships as a collection tool.

Our team, led by Adrián Navarro, Senior Partner of maritime litigation and admiralty, has a deep knowledge of Panamanian maritime law and a vast experience representing national and international creditors in the recovery of debts from shipowners and charterers.

Are You Owed Money for Bunker Supplies or Provisions? Act Now.

If your company faces unpaid bunker invoices, ship supplyIf the debtor vessel (or its sister vessels) could transit the Panama Canal, do not write off the debt as lost. The arrest of the vessel in Panama may be your most effective solution.

Contact NAVARRO & NAVARRO today for a confidential consultation on your case. maritime debt collection. Let us help you enforce your collection and recover what is rightfully yours.

For a consultation and analysis of your case of maritime credit recovery:

Our maritime lawyers in Panama are ready to advise you on the recovery of its bunker receivables, provisions, provisions for and other maritime services.

 

Contact Information:
NAVARRO & NAVARRO LLP
AddressOceania Business Center, Punta Pacifica, Torre 2000, 42nd Floor, Panama City, Republic of Panama.
Phone/WhatsApp: +507 6080-3634
Web: www.nnalaw.com
E-mail: adrian@nnalaw.com

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Each legal situation is unique and should be discussed with a qualified attorney to address your specific circumstances regarding your cargo claim or any other maritime matter.

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