Panama Canal tonnage hits new high, driven by box ships transits
THE Panama Canal Authority (ACP) posted 2015 fiscal record total volume of 340.8 million tons, a 4.3 per cent year-on-year increase.
"This milestone attests to this commitment, which will only continue to increase after the opening of the expanded canal," said Panama Canal CEO Jorge Quijano said.
Containerships accounted for the most tonnage with their contribution rising year on year by 3.7 per cent, followed by dry bulk, liquid bulk and car carriers.
Seven new ocean liner services were introduced in January which contributed to the increase in cargo transported across the canal, comprising five services on the US east coast-Asia trade lane, one US west coast-Europe service, and one serving on the North-South trades.