According to an analysis of the Tokyo MOU detention list, the number of Panama-flagged ships detained by China’s Port State Control increased significantly in March compared to previous months.
The Tokyo MOU, or Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control in the Asia-Pacific Region, includes 22 maritime authorities from the region and has 17 observers, providing the most comprehensive data on ship detentions in the area.
In March, there were a total of 179 vessel detentions reported under the Tokyo MOU, with 123 of those occurring in Chinese ports.
Out of these, 91 ships were flagged under Panama, while only 32 were from other flags. This means that last month, more than half of all vessels detained in the Asia-Pacific region were Panamanian ships detained in China.
The total of 123 detentions in Chinese ports is higher than any monthly total from last year and also exceeds the number from the first two months of this year. In February, there were 112 detentions across the Asia-Pacific, with 45 occurring in China, and in January, there were 122 detentions, with 71 in China.
In contrast, the number of Panama-flagged vessels detained in January and February was much lower: 25 in January compared to 46 from other flags, which dropped to 19 and 26 respectively in February.
While the Port State Control detains vessels for safety reasons, it is interesting to note the timing of Hutchison’s removal from its concessions at the ports of Balboa and Cristobal and the subsequent rise in the detention of Panamanian ships in China. This raises questions about whether these actions are being used as a form of punishment against Panama, as suggested by US Federal Maritime Commission chair Laura DiBella.
Last week, DiBella stated, “China has imposed a significant increase in the detention of Panama-flagged vessels in Chinese ports under the guise of port state control, far surpassing historical norms. These intensified inspections seem aimed at punishing Panama following Hutchison’s asset transfer.”
She added, “As Panama-flagged ships carry a significant share of US container trade, these actions could have important commercial and strategic consequences for US shipping.”
However, it’s important to highlight that the detentions in March included various types of vessels, not just containerships. Many tankers and bulkers were also detained, and the issue was not limited to foreign carriers; several Chinese carriers with Panama-flagged ships also faced detention.
During a daily press briefing by China’s Foreign Ministry in Beijing, a spokesperson was asked if the country was specifically targeting Panamanian vessels in light of the Hutchison situation. The spokesperson avoided the question, stating, “China’s position on issues related to the Panama Canal ports is clear. The US’s repeated wrongful allegations simply reveal its attempts to control the canal.”
She added, “For your specific question, I’d refer you to the competent authorities.”