The Panama Canal Authority is celebrating the ninth anniversary of the canal’s expansion, marking significant growth in both transits and tonnage during the initial months of fiscal year 2025 compared to the same timeframe in the previous year. From October 2024 to May 2025, there was an impressive 30% increase in the average daily transits and a 22% rise in tonnage, with 326 million CP/SUAB tons moved by May. This increase has been made possible by restored water levels in Gatun and Alajuela Lakes, allowing the canal to continue providing safe, efficient, and reliable service to its patrons.
The expansion, which began with the inaugural transit of the Cosco Shipping Panama container ship on June 26, 2016, has ushered in a new era in global logistics. This landmark feat not only represents the largest infrastructure initiative since the original canal opened in 1914, but it also has delivered substantial benefits both domestically and internationally. The expansion has enhanced the waterway’s capacity, increased national revenue, and solidified Panama’s position as a pivotal player in global trade.
Several key milestones showcase the canal’s ongoing significance. In 2016, the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessel transited the canal, introducing new energy routes. The canal also welcomed the MSC Marie in 2024, the largest container ship to traverse its waters, with a capacity of 17,640 TEU.
As of 2025, the expanded locks have facilitated over 25,000 total transits, highlighting the canal’s role as a catalyst for development and national pride, supported by a dedicated workforce of more than 8,700 Panamanians. However, the anniversary also highlights ongoing challenges posed by climate change, such as the extended dry season in 2023 that impacted daily transit capacity. In response, the Panama Canal Authority is implementing a long-term water strategy aimed at securing water resources for operational and community needs.
Projects like the Río Indio Lake are designed to bolster the country’s water infrastructure and provide social benefits to surrounding areas. As the canal continues to evolve into a world-class logistics hub, it affirms Panama’s critical role in international trade and economic growth.