Seatrade Maritime: Panama Canal transits in FY2025 bounce back from drought

The Panama Canal saw a 19.3% jump in transits in the last 12 months recovering from drought restrictions in the previous year

The number of transits in fiscal year (FY2025) jumped 19.3% to 13,404 compared to 11,240 transits last year when drought was stricken. Of this total, 3,342 transits were by Neo-Panamax vessels, while 10,062 were by Panamax vessels.

The improved number of transits represents a bounce back from FY2024 when the Panama Canal recorded 9,936 transits, a 29% drop compared to FY2023 as drought restrictions limited the number of vessels that could use the key waterway.

The Panama Canal ended FY2025 with total revenues of $5.7billion, 14.4% above the $4.98 billion the year before.

These preliminary, unaudited results reflect the Canal’s financial and operational strength, as well as its efficient management of resources in a challenging global environment, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) said in a statement.

The waterway handled 489.1 million PC/UMS (Panama Canal/universal measurement system) tonnes, up 15.6% compared to 423.1 million PC/UMS tonnes in FY 2024.Of that volume, 253.6 million tonnes corresponded to Neo-Panamax vessels, while 235.5 million tonnes corresponded to cargo transited by Panamax vessels.

Among the main drivers of growth were the container and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) segments, which performed well during the year said the ACP. The bulk carrier segment continued its recovery process, while the liquefied natural gas (LNG) segment recorded lower-than-expected results, mainly due to freight costs in the international market.