Panama Canal transits grow 5.2% and revenues 17% in nine months

The Panama Canal experienced a notable surge in activity during the first nine months of fiscal year 2026, with transits increasing by 5.2% and total revenue climbing 17%. These gains were largely propelled by strong performance in the container ship and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) segments, according to the Canal administration.

From October 2025 to June 2026, the waterway recorded 10,726 transits, an increase from the 10,191 transits during the same period in fiscal year 2025, averaging 35 crossings per day. The total cargo volume also saw a significant rise, reaching 389.96 million tons CP/SUAB, a 7.2% increase compared to the previous year.

Total revenue from transits reached $4.802 billion, up 17% year-on-year, while profits amounted to $3.614 billion, marking a 19% increase. These positive results were achieved as the Canal administration actively adapts its operations in anticipation of a severe El Niño phenomenon, which could impact water levels.

Administrator Ricaurte Vásquez indicated that "restrictions on capacity, not only by draft but also by the number of daily reservations," might be implemented to manage the potential drought. However, he stressed that this decision would be guided by market signals. The Canal, which is the world's only freshwater canal, has already implemented measures to secure its water resources, including reducing the draft, which is the submerged part of a ship.