PANAMA CANAL
Getting the best out of the Panama Canal
S
hippers and operators from a wide range of sectors use of the Panama Canal. One thing they have in common is the concern about how possible delays might affect them. Based on my quarter century of experience in the waterway, it’s safe to say that there is always potential for transit delays. However, the Canal can do better. The Panama Canal can accommodate 38 to 40 ships a day in normal conditions and is currently averaging 34.3 transits, which leaves capacity for another 4 or 5.
Alexei Oduber Managing Director GAC Panama
Night-time operations create greater options Since the expanded canal opened in 2016, the locks have facilitated more than 400 LNG carrier transits in the daytime. With
this experience, the Panama Canal should be ready to offer the night transit for LNG vessels. Operational adjustments have to be made to accommodate new slots but opening up the option for night-time LNG passages would address the important issue of delays affecting both LNG and non-LNG customers. Every time you create a new operational slot, even with transit restrictions, Canal users stand to benefit from fewer delays and more options.
Making more time Increasing the time frame for NeoPanamax vessels to enter a port area in the Pacific side of the Panama Canal could also increase transit slots. The approximately 4km long stretch
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