Panama reflagging explodes as China detentions hit new highs
- Reflagging numbers rose to more than 80 in April before jumping to 150 in May, with no signs of easing
- The reflagging surge coincides with China’s unprecedented mass detentions of Panama-flagged vessels calling at Chinese ports, amid a port concession dispute between Beijing and Panama City
- Among the reflagged ships, 54 opted for the Marshall Islands, representing the largest share
The mass exodus from Panama’s registry has been visible since mid-April, about a month after China began stepping up inspections of Panama-flagged ships
