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Patton Moreno & Asvat (PANAMA)

Shipping

Latin America Guide 2026 : Panama

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Patton Moreno & Asvat (PANAMA)

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About

Provided by Patton Moreno & Asvat (PANAMA)

More than 40 years ago, Patton, Moreno & Asvat began its legal practice as a law firm primarily focused on Maritime Law and Commercial Law. Today, we are still leaders in maritime financing, maritime litigation and ship registration in the Republic of Panama, as a result of the continued trust of our clients and the high level of service rendered by our team of professionals.

Our experienced lawyers of the Maritime Department have a real and deep knowledge of the industry, and have an active participation within the major maritime associations, as the Panama Maritime Law Association (APADEMAR), in which our partner Belisario Porras was President (2015-2017), Maria de Lourdes Marengo (President 2009/2010), Maria Teresa Diaz (Secretary 1993-1994), and associate Joaquín De Obarrio (Board of Directors 2019-2020/2020-2021) thus contributing to the development of the sector. 

Our clientele include shipowners, charterers, shipyards, ports and port terminals owners, insurance companies, international banks and financial institutions, private equity investors, consortiums and other players of the maritime sector.

Patton, Moreno & Asvat provide a complete service in each of the areas of the legal maritime industry:

  • Ship Registry and Finance
  • Ship Mortgages
  • Maritime Litigation
  • Arrest of Vessels
  • Licences to Operate in Panamanian Waters & Ports

Industries (6)

  • Financial
  • Insurance
  • Banks
  • Construction
  • Transportation
  • P&I Clubs

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Shipping - Panama

Band 1

What the Team is Known For
Patton Moreno & Asvat's outstanding maritime practice group is frequently sought out by international co-counsel to act on cross-border ship financing mandates. Its highly regarded team advises a who's who of financial entities on a range of sophisticated lending transactions, such as cross-collateral secured loans, in addition to assisting with debt restructuring matters. The department also provides counsel to drilling and insurance clients. The firm's expertise extends to vessel title and mortgage registration. The department's clients also benefit from a dedicated London office.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Patton Moreno & Asvat acted as Panamanian legal advisers to J.P. Morgan on Carnival Corporation's private offering of an aggregate principal amount of approximately EUR500 million of 5.75% senior unsecured notes, due in 2030. The client represented the initial purchasers.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Patton Moreno & Asvat provides expedite and efficient assistance, as well as high expertise in shipping and a client-focused service.

    Shipping respondentLatin America

  • The team at Patton Moreno & Asvat has excellent shipping knowledge and technical skills. It offers prompt replies, attention to detail and friendly and professional collaboration.

    Shipping respondentLatin America

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Belisario J Porras
    Belisario J Porras

    Belisario J Porras

    Established practitioner Belisario Porras comes highly recommended by market observers for his shipping practice in Panama.

    • Belisario Porras brings many years of experience and commercial acumen. He provides quality legal services to his clients.

      Shipping respondentLatin America
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  • María Teresa Díaz G
    María Teresa Díaz G

    María Teresa Díaz G

    Noteworthy partner María Teresa Díaz continues to show significant prowess advising clients on ship financing mandates. She is also well versed in vessel registration, asset purchases and transfers of ownership.

    • María Teresa Díaz possesses great expertise. She is proactive in her communication and highly responsive to client needs, always going above and beyond to ensure satisfaction.

      Shipping respondentLatin America
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Ranked Individuals at Patton Moreno & Asvat (PANAMA) (2)

Panama

Members

Provided by Patton Moreno & Asvat (PANAMA)

Patton Moreno & Asvat (PANAMA) has rankings in the following guides

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