The Panama Canal does not foresee impact on its activity by diplomacy with China

The Panama Canal does not foresee impact on its activity by diplomacy with China

The Panama Canal does not foresee any change in transit activity after the Government established relations with China

The Panama Canal does not foresee "any change in transit activity" after the Panamanian government established diplomatic relations with China to the detriment of Taiwan, said Jorge Quijano, administrator of the interoceanic route.

"We do not see any changes necessarily in what is the transit activity, because the one that dictates the transit activity is not Panama, what dictates the transit through the Panama Canal is the demand," Quijano told reporters.

The behavior of water transit is more "related to the import that the US wants to have, which is our first user and is supplied in a large majority of China," which is the second customer of the waterway, he said.

"So trade exchange is the one we respond to here (and) we do not see that this (the relations of Panama and China) will bring any change in reality," added Quijano.

The president of Panama, Juan Carlos Varela, announced on Monday the establishment of relations with China and the break with Taiwan under the argument, among others, that the Asian giant is the second most important user of the Canal and the first supplier of the Zone Free of Columbus (ZLC), the largest in the hemisphere.

Taiwan immediately expressed its "indignation" over the turn of Panama, which he called "unfair act", as well as his "condemnation and repulse" for what he considers a Chinese attack on his international space, and announced the consequent withdrawal of everything The Taiwanese staff of the Central American country and the suspension of assistance and cooperation programs.

The diplomatic turn made by the Government of Varela has been welcomed in Panama, where private sector expectations point to the achievement of benefits for the country in terms of trade and investment in fields such as technology and logistics.

Quijano stressed Thursday that ACP maintains "excellent relations with all" its customers, including Chinese and Taiwanese shipping companies, and that these have been and will continue to be commercial.

"This is a neutral channel, here pass all the ships of the world is not restricted any, What we do demand is that they comply with all international regulations in addition to the special requirements" of the ACP on security and other fields, he added.

The Panama Canal, which accounts for about 6% of world trade, connects 144 sea routes that reach 1,700 ports in 160 countries.

Photo: La Estrella

Panama Canal Commemorates Anniversary of Expanded Canal

Panama Canal Commemorates Anniversary of Expanded Canal

On June 26, 2017 the Panama Canal commemorated the one-year anniversary of the inauguration of its Expanded Canal, one of the most significant milestones in the history of the 102-year old waterway and a defining moment for the people of Panama and the global maritime industry.

During the one-year anniversary, the vessels that have transited the Expanded Canal received commemorative plaques. The honored vessels included: Albert III, Ever Loading, Valparaiso Express, Yuhsho and CMA CGM Melisande.

“These transits are a testament to the global maritime industry’s confidence in the Expanded Canal,” said Panama Canal Administrator, Jorge L. Quijano. “The countless accomplishments set over the past year have surpassed even our own expectations for the project. We would like to thank everyone involved, from our customers to our highly-skilled employees, for their role in making this year such a great success.”

The Visitor

  

Over the past 12 months, the Expanded Canal’s performance has exceeded what was originally forecast, as global trade routes have been redrawn and its positive impact has been felt around the world.

The Panama Canal launched the Green Connection Environmental Recognition Program, a new initiative that recognizes customers who demonstrate excellent environmental stewardship and encourages others to implement technologies and standards that reduce emissions. This program includes the Environmental Premium Ranking and the Green Connection Award.

The Expanded Canal contributed to the reduction of 17 million tons of CO2 during its first year of operation thanks to the shorter traveling distance and larger cargo carrying capacity that it offers to customers.

Together, these activities have led to a ripple effect on local and global economies, positively impacting the international shipping industry as ports worldwide continue to invest in their infrastructure to accommodate the influx in Neopanamax traffic from the Expanded Canal. Investment has been particularly prevalent among U.S. East Coast ports, which have experienced strong growth and broken cargo records, providing a boost to their local economies.