Panama Canal Authority News

The Panama Canal Authority on Thursday downplayed a report that an LPG vessel paid $4 million to jump the transit queue, saying the result reflected temporary market conditions rather than a fee set by the waterway, as the Iran war drives more traffic to the canal."The recent outcome of an auction awarded to an LPG vessel reflects temporary market shifts and is not the result of a rate set by the Panama Canal," the authority said in a statement, without confirming how much was paid out in the auction.It said auction values are driven by factors including customers' urgency…

Asian refiners are increasingly sending medium-sized crude cargoes from the U.S. Gulf Coast to Asia through the Panama Canal as the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran disrupts trade flows, raises shipping costs and forces Asian refiners to hunt for alternative supplies.The use of medium-sized tankers that typically cost more per barrel to transport crude, coupled with Asian companies' willingness to pay additional fees to move oil through the Panama Canal, underscores their urgent need…

Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison said on Tuesday Panama authorities had threatened its employees with criminal prosecution if they refused to leave two strategic canal ports at the centre of a legal battle that has embroiled Beijing and Washington.CK Hutchison said Panama's decision to cancel key port contracts and grant temporary licences to Maersk and Mediterranean Shipping (MSC) was 'unlawful' as it considers national and international legal action against Panama and third…

The count down is on for this year’s CMA Shipping 2026 conference and exhibition taking place from 10–12 March 2026 at the Hilton Stamford Hotel in Stamford, Connecticut. Organised by the Connecticut Maritime Association (CMA) and Informa Markets, this flagship event is set to bring together the most influential voices in the maritime industry for three days of industry networking, knowledge sharing, and innovation.CMA Shipping 2026 features a robust conference agenda designed to address the most pressing issues facing the maritime sector.

The Panama Canal Authority and Monjasa, a global supplier of marine fuels, have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at developing initiatives that benefit communities within the Panama Canal Watershed (CHCP).The five-year agreement provides for the implementation of targeted projects in environmental protection, comprehensive well-being, culture, community development, and education, all aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These initiatives will…

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has commemorated 26 years of Panamanian administration, marking a new anniversary since its transfer at noon on December 31, 1999.The Authority says this historic milestone was a catalyst for national sovereignty and pride and has allowed Panama to demonstrate its capacity to efficiently manage one of the most strategic routes in global trade.Among the most significant milestones of more than two decades of management are:Canal expansion: The inauguration of the expanded canal in 2016 transformed the global maritime industry…

The Panama Canal expects an increase in transits of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vessels and carriers of some agricultural commodities to help it compensate for a reduction in world trade next year, the waterway's chief told Reuters on Monday.The world's second-busiest interoceanic waterway registered a 14% revenue increase to $5.7 billion in the fiscal year ended in September and saw 19% more transits, with LPG vessels and container ships moving more cargoes through the canal that connects the Pacific and Atlantic oceans."LPG is a product that will be even more valuable in the next 20…

Stillstrom by Maersk, a marine technology leader delivering offshore power and charging solutions, has strengthened its leadership team with key senior appointments in Copenhagen and Aberdeen.Nikolaj Stald has joined as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at the company’s HQ in Copenhagen. Nikolaj brings over 15 years’ offshore wind experience and will lead the commercial strategy to drive adoption of offshore charging as a cost-effective decarbonization pathway. Prior to Stillstrom…

The Panama Canal Authority has launched LoTSA 2.0, the next generation of its Long-Term Slot Allocation program.Building on the success of LoTSA 1.0, LoTSA 2.0 packages will transition from a 12-month horizon to a more agile 6-month offering, divided into two 6-month cycles. By shortening the commitment window, customers can better align their transit planning with market conditions, seasonal fluctuations, and fleet deployment strategies, says the Authority.The Panama Canal has…

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has launched the concessionaire selection process for a natural gas pipeline project, holding its first market engagement event with more than 45 representatives from global energy companies.The 76-kilometre pipeline, with a planned transfer capacity of up to 2.5 million barrels per day, will connect maritime terminals on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. It forms the cornerstone of a new interoceanic energy corridor designed to strengthen Panama’s…

The Panama Canal has decided to introduce the first hybrid tugboats to its fleet, beginning with 10 vessels and the option to add an additional 10 in the coming years. The first two, the Isla Barro Colorado and the Isla Bastimentos, arrived in Panama and were officially christened earlier this month. Their debut marks the beginning of a progressive fleet renewal, with the additional deliveries of tugboats arriving every two months.This move is embedded in the ACP’s sustainability…

Arsenio Domínguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), carried out an official visit to the Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) as part of his first mission to the country since taking office in January 2024.He was welcomed by Luis Roquebert, Administrator of the PMA, together with the institution’s directors and deputy directors.The highlight of the visit was the forum “Empowering Women in the Maritime Sector: A Call to Action on Training, Visibility…

The Panama Canal presented has proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 to the Cabinet Council.The budget is focused on long-term investments, with a particular emphasis on water sustainability through the Río Indio Lake project. It also includes efforts to diversify business activities, invest in workforce development and well-being, support the traditional and Western basins, and ensure the sustainable and competitive operation of the Canal.During its presentation to the Cabinet Council, the National Government responded to concerns expressed by the Río Indio watershed communities.

The Panama Canal will soon begin consultations with companies about launching a competitive tender in the first quarter of next year offering two new ports for construction and operation within its zone, a source involved in the preparations said on Thursday.The ports are part of a broad expansion plan being organized by the waterway's administration. It aims to increase services related to cargo handling, including transshipment, storage and gas transportation, and to secure fresh water for operations."There is a large demand for facilities and terminals…

The Panama Canal Administrator, Dr. Ricaurte Vásquez Morales, delivered the 43rd Annual William A. Patterson Distinguished Transportation Lecture at Northwestern University this week, in which he laid out the crucial role the Panama Canal has played in the development of global trade and the impact it has had on the greater evolution of humanity in Panama, and throughout the world.The Northwestern University Patterson Transportation Lecture is an award that recognizes Vásquez…

Stillstrom by Maersk and the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore the implementation of Stillstrom’s offshore charging technology to reduce emissions from vessels idling in and around the Panama Canal.Handling approximately 14,000 vessels annually, the Panama Canal is a critical artery of global commerce. The Canal’s strategic position makes it a focal point for maritime sustainability, and in recent years, ACP has taken significant steps toward decarbonization.

The Panama Canal Board of Directors has authorized the opening of a bidding process for the development of a new pipeline for the transfer of energy products which will complement operations in the interoceanic waterway.The pipeline will be incorporated into the development of the Panama Canal's West Bank route, which includes activities and alternatives to transporting products by sea.It will strengthen Panama’s strategic position and help keep the Canal competitive by increasing its capacity and providing quality service to the world…

Nippon Yusen (NYK), Japan's largest shipping line, is concerned that U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs could push up the cost of automobiles and daily goods, denting consumer demand and slowing cargo flows, its president said."The tariffs are not directly borne by consumers, but the burden ultimately falls on them, which in turn reduces the actual flow of goods. That's our biggest concern," President Takaya Soga told Reuters in an interview on Monday.Trump last week unveiled plans to impose a 25% tariff on automobile imports, a move expected to hit Japan's export-driven economy.

Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino said on Thursday that he didn't place any value on reports the U.S. military is looking into options for ensuring full U.S. access to the Panama Canal, since these reports came from unnamed sources."If no one puts their name to such an assertion, I don't ascribe any value to it," he told a press conference.Two U.S. officials, speaking anonymously, told Reuters last week that the Pentagon had been instructed to evaluate options, amid President…

Fees for vessels to pass through the Panama Canal this year are 15% below last year's levels as the waterway now has more capacity to move cargoes, the head of the Panama Canal Authority, Ricaurte Vasquez, said on Wednesday in a video conference.A severe drought between late 2023 and early 2024 forced the world's second busiest waterway to impose passage restrictions that prompted long waiting lines and higher transit fees.

U.S. President Donald Trump has postponed a phone call with Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino due to last-minute changes in the U.S. leader's agenda, Panama's government said on Friday, amid tensions over U.S. threats to take over the Panama Canal.Panama's foreign office will share details on the new date once it has been coordinated, the government said.Mulino has accused the U.S. of spreading "lies and falsehoods" after its government claimed its vessels would be able to pass through the Panama Canal without paying.He has also rejected claims that China controls the canal…

Panama President Jose Raul Mulino said on Thursday the U.S. was spreading "lies and falsehoods" after the State Department claimed U.S. government vessels would be able to pass through the Panama Canal without paying.The comments were likely to exacerbate tensions between the two countries after the U.S. had cited progress on military cooperation and confronting alleged Chinese influence over the canal.Later, Mulino added on social media that he would speak to U.S. President Donald…

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday warned Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino that Washington will "take measures necessary" if Panama does not immediately take steps to end what President Donald Trump sees as China's influence and control over the Panama Canal.Mulino, after the talks with the top U.S. diplomat in Panama City, signaled he would review agreements involving China and Chinese businesses, and announced further cooperation with the U.S. on migration, but…