Panama takes Ebola precautions

As part of the PMA’s wider port risk management strategy, all vessels intending to enter a Panamanian port are required to post arrival date via their agent into the PMA’s system. PurpleTRAC will also be used to screen port arrivals and Panama Canal transits to ensure compliance against a range of economic sanctions and blacklisted ports.

“We are delighted to work with the Panama Maritime Authority, the largest flag in the world, to deliver the tools they need to expand and strengthen their risk management strategy,” said Andrew Peters, chief executive officer, Pole Star.

PurpleTRAC will also provide Ebola-risk warnings for any ships that have visited countries where the World Health Organisation (WHO) deems the outbreak of Ebola severe – currently West African countries of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Where a vessel is found to have called at any of these countries within the last 90 days, an automatic system/operator alert will trigger an enhanced ship inspection by the PMA, the Panama Coast Guard and the Ministry of Health.

“This highlights the flag’s willingness to adopt innovative solutions to create best management practice. It is also further validation of Pole Star’s market leading technology and product delivery capability bringing tangible benefits to the maritime industry,” Mr Peters added.

Panama receives approximately 9,000 ship port calls per year.