Aparajita Das 
It was joint project between the Panama Embassy in Singapore and Marine Online (S) Pte Ltd to digitize the Panama registry and endorsement services application process.
In a radical move, keeping in mind the need of the hour, Panama embassy launched its first official online portal. It was joint project between the Panama Embassy in Singapore and Marine Online (S) Pte Ltd to digitize the Panama registry and endorsement services application process. The country introduced the move towards digitalisation to boost growth in the maritime sector, especially during the time of pandemic. It offered one-stop solution for submitting all documentation, which could be processed directly by the Panama Embassy in Singapore. Hence helped in wiping out traditional time consuming routes.
The online portal was launched specifically in the wake of covid-19 pandemic to come to the aid of applicants applying from remote areas or more severely effected by coronavirus. Due to the online portal the applicants could submit their application or renew their certificates at www.marineonline.com/panama electronically without travelling physically to the embassy. Hence it even reduced the time taken in the entire process. After the submissions, the applicants can also make payments, track their progress and receive electronic certificates directly from the Embassy.
Gracias a la gestión del Estado panameño, los tripulantes del buque Star Balboa, están de vuelta en casa con sus familias y hoy, nos llena de satisfacción verlos en suelo patrio. #DeFrenteAlMar ⚓️#MarinosPanameños#TripulaciónPanameña#DeVueltaACasa pic.twitter.com/ceUgMD5HnB
— Autoridad Marítima de Panamá (@AMP_Panama) December 10, 2020
Authorities added that the online portal would maintain application history for up to seven years. The launch of the portal, operated and maintained Marine Online, was a robust move undertaken to reconnect the Republic of Panama with the global maritime industry.
HE Luis Alberto Melo, Ambassador and Consul General of the Republic of Panama to Singapore said, “In the face of a changing landscape, it is crucial to accelerate our level of services to interoperate for greater optimization and automation as the next big leap. Our partnership with Marine Online (MOL) will allow us to enhance our services through the platform and connect us to our customers in real-time. Our future-ready solutions will also enable new opportunities for us to promote our maritime services and maintain our position as the World’s leader in the marine industry.”
By unifying Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Advanced eCommerce Technologies, we aim to digitalise data and elevate procurement efficiency for sustainable growth in the digital economy, for the maritime industry. I am positive that our exclusive partnership with the Consul-General Embassy of Panama, will rejuvenate the maritime shipping space with renewed optimism,
Mr. Yang Ling, the CEO of Marine Online, a B2B e-commerce platform for shipping services
The company is known for providing various services including chartering, bunkering, crewing, port agency, ship supply, ship purchase & sell, and other marine services. The Republic of Panama is know for having the largest number registered vessel fleet. The most appealing aspect of the country was its lucrative privileges offered to the shipowners, which included open registry, tax exemptions, no minimum tonnage requirements, and strategic location. The country’s position has been its biggest advantage as it connects Panama with Pacific and Atlantic oceans, one of the most important marine trade routes.
