Panama Canal Sets Back-to-Back-to-Back Tonnage Records

Panama Canal Authority

The Panama Canal set yet another daily tonnage record in February 2017 with a total of 1,180 vessel transits totaling 1.18 million Panama Canal tons (PC/UMS).

The previous record was established the month prior in January 2017 when the Canal recorded a daily tonnage average of 1.16 PC/UMS. The daily tonnage average accounts for vessels transiting through both the original and expanded locks.

February is the third-consecutive record-breaking month for the Panama Canal. In December 2016 and January 2017, the waterway set monthly tonnage records after transiting 35.4 million PC/UMS and 36.1 million PC/UMS, respectively.

“These records are evidence of the maritime industry’s growing adoption of the Expanded Canal,” said Panama Canal Administrator Jorge L. Quijano. “As the new lane continues to reshape global maritime trade and its true impact becomes more and more apparent, we will continue to offer new growth opportunities to our customers and cargo destinations around the world.”

Approximately 850 Neopanamax vessels have transited the new locks in the first eight months since their inauguration in June 2016, according to the Panama Canal Authority. In fact 53 percent of all containerized cargo through the waterway is now transported through the new locks. Eleven new liner services have been also rerouted, with this number expected to increase.

In addition, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels, as well as bulk carriers, tankers and vehicle carriers have transited the Expanded Canal since it was operational in June 2016.

In April 2017, the first Neopanamax cruise ship, capable of carrying up to 4,000 passengers, will transit the new locks.

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