The Panama Maritime Authority has issued a fresh warning to vessels under its flag to avoid Ukrainian and Russian waters in the Black Sea. This urgent advisory follows a drone strike on a Panamanian-flagged tanker at the port of Chornomorsk, Ukraine, on January 13, 2026, which left one crew member injured.
In an official statement, the maritime administration confirmed the attack occurred while the tanker was anchored. The injured crew member received immediate medical attention and remains in stable condition. This incident underscores the escalating dangers for commercial shipping in a region still gripped by conflict.
The authority is now reiterating its standing recommendation for all Panamanian-flagged ships to steer clear of the area. Officials cite significant operational risks, including port restrictions and partial closures, that create a hazardous environment for global trade.
“The Panama Maritime Authority reiterates to vessels enrolled in the Panama Ship Registry the need to maximize security measures and avoid navigation through Ukrainian and Russian waters in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, given the increase in operational risks derived from the conflict in the region,” the AMP stated. [Translated from Spanish]
Strict Precautions for Remaining Vessels
For any Panamanian ships that must remain in Ukrainian ports, the authority has mandated strict compliance with local government safety protocols. These measures are not merely suggestions but essential requirements for crew safety.
Ship masters are ordered to conduct thorough, voyage-specific risk assessments before any movement. They must also review and update their vessel security plans. Maintaining a continuous bridge watch and enforcing strict access controls are considered critical first lines of defense.
The Panama Maritime Authority emphasized the vital need for functional tracking equipment. Keeping the Automatic Identification System (AIS) and LRIT systems operational allows for constant monitoring of a ship’s position. This tracking is crucial for coordination and potential rescue in what the agency labels a high-threat zone.
Ongoing Monitoring and Global Impact
Panama operates the world’s largest ship registry, giving this warning substantial weight in international shipping circles. The authority confirmed it will continue monitoring the volatile situation closely. Further guidance will be provided to the fleet as conditions evolve.
This advisory is based on Merchant Marine Notice 03/2022, which was originally issued following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The notice remains in full effect. The conflict’s impact on maritime logistics has been profound, disrupting key shipping routes and insurance markets.
The attacked tanker was located in Chornomorsk, a major Ukrainian port on the Black Sea. The broader warning, however, extends to the adjacent Sea of Azov. That body of water, shared by Ukraine and Russia, has been a focal point of military activity since 2014.
Commercial ship operators globally are now reassessing routes that approach the conflict zone. The direct attack on a civilian vessel represents a serious escalation. It moves the threat beyond indirect dangers like mines or stray ordnance to targeted strikes.
Panama’s registry includes thousands of vessels from many nations. The authority’s primary role is to ensure these ships adhere to international safety and environmental standards. Issuing clear security directives in active war zones falls squarely within that mandate. The agency has provided a direct link to its official notice for shipowners and operators seeking detailed information.
This latest incident will likely intensify calls for established safe corridors and greater naval protection for civilian shipping. For now, the guidance from Panama is unequivocal. Avoid the area entirely if possible. If not, proceed with extreme caution.