About our Panama Canal news
Latest news on the Panama Canal, covering transit updates, water levels, ship traffic, expansion projects, and geopolitical tensions over control of this crucial global shipping route.
The Panama Canal, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans across the Isthmus of Panama, remains one of the world's most vital maritime trade routes. Each year, over 14,000 vessels transit through this 82-kilometre waterway, which handles approximately 5% of global maritime commerce and serves more than 140 international trade routes.
Recent challenges have emerged concerning water levels in Gatun Lake, the canal's main water source, leading to reduced daily transits from 36 to 24 ships, affecting global supply chains. The Panama Canal Authority has implemented measures to manage water resources more efficiently, including the use of water-saving basins in the expanded locks. These operational adjustments come amid heightened geopolitical focus on the waterway.
Political tensions surrounding the canal have intensified since December 2024, when President-elect Donald Trump asserted that the United States should retake control of the waterway, claiming "exorbitant" rates for American ships and expressing concerns about Chinese influence. These statements prompted strong responses from Panamanian officials, who affirmed the canal as part of Panama's "inalienable patrimony", and sparked protests in Panama City. In his January 2025 inaugural address, Trump reiterated his intent to gain control of the canal.
The canal's impact extends beyond maritime commerce to local communities and global trade patterns. The waterway employs thousands of Panamanians and generates significant revenue for Panama's economy. Recent initiatives focus on sustainable operation practices and community engagement, while maintaining the canal's role as a symbol of engineering excellence and international cooperation.
Since its inauguration in 1914, the Panama Canal has undergone significant transformations, including the 2016 expansion project that added a third set of locks to accommodate larger Neo-Panamax vessels. This $5.25 billion project doubled the canal's capacity and modernised its operations for 21st-century shipping needs. The canal's transfer from US to Panamanian control, completed in 1999 under the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, marked a crucial shift in its governance.
Our NewsNow feed provides comprehensive coverage of Panama Canal developments, from operational updates and transit statistics to environmental challenges and political developments. Whether you're involved in maritime trade, international commerce, or interested in global infrastructure and geopolitics, our feed keeps you informed about this crucial waterway's impact on world trade and international relations.