Copyright (c) 2026 CPA Panamá
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
The emergence of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) presents novel legal and financial challenges for the shipping industry, particularly regarding registration and the use of vessels as collateral. This article explores the integration of MASS into the Panamanian Public Ship Registry, analyzing the applicability of naval mortgages to these autonomous vessels. The study employs a doctrinal-legal methodology, combining normative analysis of Panamanian legislation, including Law 55 of 2008 and Law 57 of 2008, with a comparative examination of registry practices and expert interviews with registry officials. Through this approach, the research examines the minimum mandatory requirements for a mortgage to be considered valid, the technical and legal adaptations necessary for autonomous ships, and the implications for creditor protection and insurance. The article also addresses potential enforcement issues, liability considerations, and operational risks associated with MASS, highlighting Panama’s role in providing legal certainty within an evolving maritime regulatory framework.
