The silence of the question about the withdrawal of the cruise ship

The Chamber of Commerce of Panama have questioned the silence of the Maritime Administration of Panama (AMP) and the Tourism Authority (ATP) before the cancellation of Norwegian Cruise Line’s cruise itineraries from next year to Panamanian ports, announced this week.

According to union data, this company represents a fleet of 28 ships which will no longer use the country as a base port (home port)which harms tourism and the international image of the country.

Norwegian started operating in the country from March 2022as the first cruise line with a base port on both coasts of the country, which in turn offered its passengers the opportunity to cross the Panama Canal.

However, a number of disadvantagesthey changed their minds for this important cruise line.

Problems with security during boarding and disembarkingAfter an accident occurred at the Perico Island terminal dock, which is not yet completed, and one of the reasons was the installation of a ladder for one of the cruise ships.

In addition, there is the complexity of the migration processwhich hampered the company’s itinerary, after taking longer than expected.

Another questionable point is procedures and administrative costs and bunker supply restrictionsaccording to the Maritime Chamber.

It should be noted, in the same sense, that another fact of importance that even motivated the complaints of 23 cruisers was concession of exclusive sale of bunkers ships using ports for cruise ships.

Columbus 2000which manages the terminals, gave the Monjasa company exclusivity in the supply of fuel to cruise ships that dock in the ports it manages.

For the Chamber of Shipping, it is imperative that the AMP and ATP authorities “Take strong and immediate action to prevent similar positions by other naval ships.”

In turn, he calls on the National Government to guarantee correct practice according to applicable regulations and standards“revaluing the obligations of free market competition and legal certainty, which are crucial for the preservation of foreign investments”.