Transit through the Expanded Panama Canal

An article on Prensa.com reports that “…  During the first two months of operation of the expanded Canal 130 neopanamax ships were reported to have passed through, most of them container ships, bringing in total revenues of $68 million.  Since the expanded Canal opened on June 26, business has been growing, with 2 new services coming from the Suez Canal, said the Canal Administrator Jorge Luis Quijano.”

Warning that difficulties faced by the global economy will affect international trade and the dynamics of ocean freight, Jorge Quijano, Canal Administrator, noted that “… All expectations have been met and even exceeded; the number of vessels is the same as expected and every day more ships are transiting the maritime route.”

“… The extension allows neopanamax vessels of up to 366 meters long and 49 meters wide to pass through this route. Although the new locks allow for a draft of up to 50 feet, the boats coming in only have a draft of up to 43 feet, attributed in part to the lack of cargo because of the economic recession.”

Source: La Prensa