Seatrade Maritime: Isla Maritime expands operations into Panama

Tampa-based Isla Maritime, a marine services provider specialising in vessel salvage and commercial diving, has expanded operations into Panama through a partnership with J.A.M. Marine Dockyard (J.A.M.). 

The partnership positions the two companies to respond local and maritime incidents, across one of the most important waterways, the Panama Canal. The aim is to combine Isla Maritime’s international expertise with J.A.M.’s local capabilities and infrastructure. 

“Panama waterway is essential for maintaining efficient global commerce and trade operations, but when a maritime incident occurs, what follows are supply chain disruptions, rising costs and uncertainty,” said Aileen Caras, CEO of Isla Maritime.

“With Panama’s strategic location in the centre of the Americas, Isla Maritime is now at an advantage to respond to maritime incidents quickly,” she added. 

The strategic partnership between Isla Maritime and J.A.M. Marine Dockyard benefits ship owners, ship managers, ships agents, insurers, and salvage companies alike, offering a complete range of services across all areas of salvage operations and wreck, and commercial diving services.  The team consists of highly qualified divers, shipboard engineers, naval architects, and class certified welders. 

“This partnership is more than a business collaboration, it represents a bridge between local expertise and international experience,” said Alejandro Villareal, CEO of J.A.M Marine Dockyard.

Following its founding in 2023, Isla Maritime’s team boasts nearly 50 years of combined experience, working for industry leaders like Resolve Marine and Titan Salvage, managing high-profile salvage and emergency response projects across the globe, including places such as South America, Australia, and India. 

Founded in 2020 and based in Veracruz, Panama, J.A.M. Marine Dockyard is a ship repair and maintenance facility offering 24/7 afloat, underwater and drydock services, supported by ISO 9000:2015 and Class-certified engineers, divers and welders.