2. INTRODUCTION
The building of the Panama Canal took 34 years: 1880 to 1914.
Panama Canal Authority (ACP): The ACP is the autonomous agency of the Government of Panama in
charge of managing, operating and maintaining the Panama Canal. The operation of the ACP is based
on its organic law and the regulations approved by its Board of Directors.
The Ship Canal stretches to 77.1-kilometre (48 miles): that connects the Atlantic Ocean (via
the Caribbean Sea) to the Pacific Ocean.
The width of the canal is more than 70 meters(200 feet); the draft of the canal is more than 20-23
meters (65-80 feet ).
3. LAYOUT
The canal consists of artificial lakes, several improved and artificial channels, and three sets of locks.
4. If the ship enters through the Pacific Ocean side, it travels 13.2 km up the channel to
the Miraflores locks.
The two-stage Miraflores lock system, including the approach wall, is 1.7 km.
The artificial Miraflores Lake is the next stage, 1.7 km long.
The single-stage Pedro Miguel lock, which is 1.4 km long.
After the lock, the ship should move forward a distance of 45.3 km passing through
the Gatun Lake towards the Gatun locks.
The Gatun locks, a three-stage flight of locks 1.9 km.
A 3.2 km channel forms the approach to the locks from the Atlantic side.
Limón Bay (Bahía Limón), a large natural harbour, provides anchorage for some ships
awaiting passage and runs up-to 8.7 km to the outer breakwater.
Thus the total length of the canal is 77.1 km (47.9 miles).
8. CAPACITY
The Panama Canal set a mark in its history as it reached a new tonnage record of 333.7 million
Panama Canal tons (PC/UMS) during fiscal year 2012 which concluded on September 30. This
achievement highlights the value of Panama and its significance as a link in the chain of
global trade.
11. TRANSIT BY VESSEL TYPE
3,253 Transits
113.7 Million PCUMS Tons
Registered 11.5 Million TEU capacity but 5.3 Million TEU were transported
Revenues totalled B/889.97 Million
1,479 Transits
12.6 Million PCUMS Tons
Revenues totalled B/58.1 Million
12. 2,322 Transits
49 Million PCUMS Tons
Revenue totalled B/196.4 Million
3,285 Transits
80 Million PCUMS Tons
Revenue totalled B/312 Million
13. 633 Transits
34.7 Million PCUMS Tons
Revenue totalled B/136.4 Million
225 Transits
310,991 Billed Passengers
Revenue totalled B/46.1 Million
revenue totalled B/400.72 Million
14. CANAL EXPANSION
The Panama Canal expansion project would largely decrease
the instances of bottlenecks & lower the average transit times.
The proposed plan for widening and deepening and
excavating is supposed to increase the capacity to
42 vessels per day, which could even be extended to
51 vessels per day by 2020.
The Canal expansion ensures a robust future for
Panama’s maritime route, boosts the national economy
and enhances safety and efficiency.
15. Colombian coal and Venezuelan oil may become more attractive to buyers in China.
The U.S. Gulf may source oil from Ecuador (instead of Nigeria) and liquid natural gas (LNG) from
Peru.
Shipper Math –
Maximize revenue
Minimize transportation expense
Carrier Math –
Maximize revenue
Maximize load factor
Maximize profitability
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18. TECHNICAL FACTS
#1: Upon the Canal’s completion, a ship traveling from New York
to San Francisco saved 7,872 miles by using the Panama Canal
instead of going around South America.
#2: The Canal transports 4 percent of world trade and 16 percent of total U.S. trade.
#3: The United States uses the canal the most, followed by China, Japan, Chile and North Korea.
#4: Between 12,000 and 15,000 ships cross the Panama Canal every year.
#5: Lowest toll ever paid was 36 cents by Richard Halliburton & Highest was paid by a Disney
cruise ship $330,000.