Maritime Litigation · Panama · Courts

Panama Maritime Litigation —
Expert Representation

Expert representation in Panama maritime litigation — vessel arrest, cargo claims, collision disputes and maritime labor matters. Full English service.

Why Góndola & Góndola
  • Vessel arrest — rapid court orders
  • Cargo damage and shortage claims
  • Maritime collision and salvage disputes
  • Naval mortgage enforcement
  • Seafarer and crew labor disputes
  • Maritime arbitration — Panama and international
Our Expertise

Why Góndola & Góndola

Panama is a critical maritime jurisdiction where disputes involving Panama-flagged vessels, Colon Free Zone cargo and Canal transits are frequently litigated.

We represent shipowners, cargo claimants, lenders and insurers in Panama maritime courts — from initial arrest through judgment and enforcement.

Ex-DGI Official

Deep insight into Panama's tax authority processes.

Cornell University MPA

Master in Public Administration — law, economics and policy.

Direct partner access

You always deal directly with the attorney handling your case.

Panama Bar No. 17,005

Licensed attorney in the Republic of Panama.

Arrest
Vessel Attachment
Fast
Court Orders
AMP
Jurisdiction
Experience

"Maritime disputes move fast. A vessel can leave the jurisdiction in hours. Our maritime litigation team is ready to act immediately when circumstances require."

— Lic. José Manuel Góndola Escudero · Idoneidad No. 17,005
Services

What we provide.

Vessel Arrest

Rapid application to Panama courts for vessel arrest to secure maritime claims.

Cargo Claims

Representation of cargo interests in claims for damage, shortage or delay.

Collision and Salvage

Legal representation in collision, salvage and general average disputes.

Naval Mortgage Enforcement

Judicial enforcement of registered naval mortgages upon default.

Maritime Labor

Seafarer wage claims, repatriation and maritime employment disputes.

Maritime Arbitration

Representation in Panama CECOMPA and international maritime arbitration proceedings.

Process

How we work.

01

Emergency Assessment

Immediate review of the maritime claim and available legal remedies.

02

Vessel Arrest Application

Filing for vessel arrest with the competent Panama court — same-day when needed.

03

Full Representation

Complete case management through hearings, evidence and judgment.

04

Enforcement

Enforcement of judgments and awards against vessels and maritime assets.

Cases

Matters we handle.

Vessel arrested for unpaid freight

Rapid vessel arrest in Colon port for unpaid freight — cargo released after negotiated settlement.

Vessel Arrest

Cargo damage claim

Claim for damaged container cargo against carrier — judgment obtained in Panama maritime court.

Cargo Claim

Seafarer unpaid wages

Crew wage claim and vessel arrest to secure repatriation and salary payment.

Maritime Labor
FAQ

Questions answered.

How quickly can a vessel be arrested in Panama?

In urgent cases, a vessel arrest order can be obtained from Panama courts within hours of filing. We are prepared to file emergency applications.

What claims support vessel arrest?

Maritime liens including cargo damage, unpaid freight, collision, salvage, seafarer wages and naval mortgage default support vessel arrest in Panama.

What if the vessel leaves before the arrest order?

In urgent cases, we can file for a precautionary arrest order that prevents departure. Coordination with the AMP and Canal authorities may also be available.

Can we arrest a vessel for a foreign judgment?

Foreign judgments may be enforceable in Panama through the exequatur process. We assess enforceability before proceeding.

What is the Panama maritime arbitration option?

Panama's CECOMPA arbitration center handles maritime disputes. Arbitration is faster and more confidential than court proceedings for many maritime disputes.

Get in Touch

Consult your
Panama maritime dispute.

Confidential consultation. We assess your claim and recommend the fastest path to resolution.

Office

Torre Banesco, P19 · Panamá