THE Panama Canal has celebrated its 108th anniversary, a legacy marked by continued contributions to international trade and record-breaking figures in recent years.
Since its inauguration on August 15, 1914, and even more so with the expansion of its capacity in 2016, the Panama Canal has leveraged its geographic location to reshape world commerce, reducing the time, costs, and environmental impacts associated with the transportation of finished goods and raw materials.
The Canal now connects 180 maritime routes that reach 1,920 ports in 170 countries around the world. In 2021, the Panama Canal handled 2.4 per cent of global maritime trade.
“This anniversary reinforces the waterway’s commitment in providing value to our customers while offering opportunities to our workforce for the benefit of our country and global trade,” said Panama Canal Administrator Ricaurte Vasquez Morales.
While in operation for more than a century, the Panama Canal continues to break records for the benefit of the shipping industry. Last month, a new record was set when the containership CMA CGM Zephyr passed through the Neopanamax Locks, and became the largest ship by cargo capacity to ever transit.
The huge containership Zephyr, with a total capacity of 16,285 TEU, completed its return journey through the Neopanamax Locks on July 1 this year.
Although the Neopanamax Locks were initially expected to serve vessels with a maximum capacity of 12,600 TEU, the Panama Canal team surpassed this limit through experience gained by operating the locks and close collaboration with customers.
Rigorous maintenance has proven critical to safeguarding the Canal’s service in recent decades. The Panamax locks used by the SS Ancon in the waterway’s inaugural transit continue operating due to a robust multi-year maintenance programme.
The Panama Canal also fulfills a key environmental responsibility domestically: Safeguarding the quantity and quality of water for its operations, as well as human consumption.
Last year, the Panama Canal also pledged to become carbon neutral by 2030. As part of this commitment, it developed an annual greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory, as well as an action plan with measurable objectives to reduce emissions.
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Post time: Aug-17-2022