Panama Canal transits on the rise as global trade rebounds

Image: Panama Canal Authority

The reopening of economies worldwide, often coinciding with increased vaccination rates, has had a knock-on effect on global trade and the vessels that transport it. On 15 July, the Panama Canal Authority released its ship transit estimates for the 2021 fiscal year (ending 30 September): 13,000, compared to 12,245 during the 2020 fiscal year. According to the Authority, this increase of nearly 6% has been led by container ships, while tankers of liquefied natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas represent the “fastest growing segments.” The Authority further estimates that it will “receive 429mn tons of cargo and collect $3.3bn in revenue” this fiscal year, in contrast to 475mn tons and $3.4bn last fiscal year.

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