[021117.EN.BIZ] Panama Canal Accommodates Record Cargo Tonnage in FY2017, up 22pc

THE Panama Canal Authority announced that a record amount of cargo transited through the expanded canal during its fiscal year 2017, totalling 403.8 million Panama Canal tons (PC/UMS), and representing a 22.2 per cent year-on-year increase.

During fiscal 2017, the number of vessels passing through the canal rose by 3.3 per cent over fiscal year 2016 to total 13,548 vessels, reported Occupational Health & Safety (ohsonline.com).

The strong growth in FY2017 was attributed to larger neopanamax vessels being able to transit the canal.

"This year's success is a testament to the expanded canal's success," said Panama Canal administrator Jorge Quijano. "These record figures reflect not only the industry's confidence in the expanded canal, but also illustrate the Panama Canal's continued ability to transform the global economy and revitalise the maritime industry," he said.

The largest ship to pass through the canal during FY2017 was the 14,863-TEU CMA CGM Theodore Roosevelt in August 2017. The ship was sailing to the port of New York and New Jersey for the inauguration of the raised Bayonne Bridge.

During the fiscal year, China, Chile, Japan, Mexico and Colombia were some of the top users of the canal, while the United States continued to be the main customer, representing the origin or destination for 68.3 per cent of the cargo transiting the canal.

Source : HKSG.