Panama-flag vessel detentions at Chinese ports could hit 100 in March as enforcement drive escalates
- Panama-flagged vessel detentions at Chinese ports have reached almost 70 since March 8, latest data shows
- Enforcement surge coincides with CK Hutchison’s escalating arbitration against Panama, with damages now exceeding $2bn
- Japanese owners account for the largest share of detained vessels at 39%, with bulkers and ships aged above 15 years accounting for most custodies
China’s crackdown on Panama-flagged ships is intensifying, with maritime enforcement becoming a visible front in a wider political dispute
