Panama Canal faces geopolitical and water challenges; plans expansion

The Panama Canal, a critical artery for global commerce, is currently a focal point for major world powers, particularly the United States and China, amid geopolitical shifts. Since Panama assumed management on December 31, 1999, the canal has been instrumental in shortening maritime journeys by approximately twenty days, thereby cutting transport costs. An average of 13,000 ships utilize this vital waterway annually.

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The gates you see behind us are the same gates from 1914. What we do is take them out for maintenance every 10 to 13 years.

For 112 years, the Panama Canal has been recognized as an engineering marvel, connecting the Caribbean Sea (Atlantic Ocean) with the Pacific Ocean. Its operation relies on a system of three locks that elevate ships 26 meters above sea level to Gatun Lake, then lower them to the other ocean. This intricate process takes eight to ten hours. "The gates you see behind us are the same gates from 1914. What we do is take them out for maintenance every 10 to 13 years," explained Densel Marshall from the Panama Canal protocol.

While the canal's tolls contribute significantly to Panama's GDP, ranging from 5% to 8%, they are not uniform for all vessels. Marshall noted that a container ship paid the highest toll, exceeding one million dollars. In stark contrast, the lowest toll was paid in 1928 by a swimmer who traversed the canal. Measured at 165 centimeters tall and weighing 63 kilograms, the swimmer was charged just 36 cents based on his dimensions.

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The highest toll on the canal was paid by a container ship, over a million dollars. And the lowest toll was paid by a person who swam across the canal in 1928. They measured that man, he was 165 centimeters tall, he weighed 63 kilograms, so they charged him 36 cents according to his height and weight.

Looking ahead, Panama plans further development, including the creation of new water reserves to mitigate the impact of dry years on the canal's operations. "The idea is to have a water reservoir to retain enough water for the population, for the ships we are currently passing, and for electricity generation. So, we use the canal for three main purposes: for drinking, for ship passage, and also for electricity production," Marshall added. Additionally, plans are underway to accommodate a gas pipeline with a daily capacity of 397,500 cubic meters within the next four years. Notably, a woman has taken over the management of the canal for the first time in its history.

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The idea is to have a water reservoir to retain enough water for the population, for the ships we are currently passing, and for electricity generation. So, we use the canal for three main purposes: for drinking, for ship passage, and also for electricity production.