The Panama Canal is engaging maritime industry representatives to explore partnerships for new port terminals on both coasts. This initiative includes a market study and a competitive selection process for a concessionaire, aiming to enhance container transshipment capacity and create thousands of jobs, contributing significantly to Panama’s economy.
The Panama Canal has launched the NetZero Slot initiative to promote maritime decarbonization, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. Starting October 3, 2025, one slot weekly will be reserved for low-emission vessels. Benefits include flexible transit dates and guaranteed 24-hour passage, supporting the transition to low-carbon technologies.
The Panama Canal Board of Directors has approved the bidding process for a new energy product pipeline. This project aims to enhance the Canal’s infrastructure and competitiveness by offering an alternative to sea transportation. The transparent bidding process will attract qualified companies to manage the pipeline, ensuring operational efficiency and modernization of the Canal.
The Panama Canal saw a 9.5% increase in profit despite a severe drought affecting vessel traffic. Restrictions were lifted after rainfall replenished water reservoirs. Efforts are underway to attract more ships back to the canal, with $8.5 billion in planned projects. Water conservation initiatives and a new reservation system are in place to improve efficiency.
The Panama Canal Authority has implemented innovative strategies to address water scarcity challenges caused by the 2023-2024 El Niño phenomenon. Administrator Ricaurte Vásquez Morales shared the success of recent initiatives at the 2025 Investor Forum, including auctioning transit spaces based on draft restrictions and different lock usage pricing. These measures have optimized yields, reduced costs, and maintained competitiveness.
The MSC Marie made history by becoming the largest-capacity container ship to pass through the Panama Canal. Measuring 366 meters in length with a width of 51 meters, it has a maximum capacity of 17,640 TEUs. This milestone showcases the advancements in maritime technology and the importance of the Panama Canal for global shipping.
The Panama Canal is preparing for a potential drought, with plans to expand capacity for larger ships and increase water reservoirs. Despite past drought challenges, efforts are being made to increase vessel passage and revenue targets. With a focus on water conservation and operational efficiency, the canal is gearing up for future challenges.
Two U.S.-based companies, GFI LNG and Pilot LNG, are collaborating to establish a small-scale LNG terminal in Salina Cruz, Mexico, to meet the rising demand for LNG-fueled ships. The Salina Cruz LNG JV plans to operate an LNG bunkering and transshipment terminal, targeting a key shipping market. Operations are set to begin in mid-to-late 2027.
The Panama Canal plans to increase daily ship transit slots to 36 in September, up from 34, due to improved water levels following a drought. Queues of over 100 ships have been a challenge, but operations are expected to normalize. The canal aims to remain competitive amidst new Atlantic-Pacific projects in Colombia and Mexico.
The Panama Canal plans to construct a new billion-dollar water reservoir to accommodate 36 ships daily. The Indio River Reservoir Project aims to enhance transit reliability and provide water for consumption. Recent rain has allowed an increase in transits, following previous restrictions due to drought. The project is estimated to cost $1.2 billion.
To mark the eighth anniversary of its expansion program, the Panama Canal is boosting its draft and daily transit capacity amidst a water crisis. Maximum draft increases to 47 feet today and is set for 48 feet on July 11. The Canal aims to reach 36-38 passages per day and a maximum draft of 50 feet.
Charlotte Goldstone from The Load Star reports on plans to build a new reservoir on the Panama Canal to improve reliability. The reservoir could be completed within four to five years once regulatory and social hurdles are overcome. The project aims to strengthen the canal’s resilience following last year’s drought and reduce shipping bottlenecks.
The Panama Canal averted a shipping crisis by managing water carefully, with the recent raising of ship limits indicating a hopeful return to full capacity. Extreme weather conditions continue to impact global trade, highlighting the need for adaptation and mitigation strategies. The recovery is welcomed by exporters and could benefit LNG tankers.
The Panama Canal Authority has increased the maximum draft of the Neopanamax locks to 45 feet, nearing the normal limit of 50 feet due to the rainy season. The move precedes adding an extra transit, boosting daily transits to 32. The canal is recovering from a year-long drought, with water levels rising above 2023 levels.
Rising water levels in the Panama Canal offer hope for a return to normal container shipping operations after a year of restrictions due to drought. The daily ship allowance has increased to 31, with more changes expected for larger vessels. The impact of the drought on schedule adherence and spot rates remains significant.
