Panama Canal records growth in vessel transits and tonnage in 2026

The Panama Canal recorded an increase in vessel transits and shipping volumes during fiscal year 2026, which ended on September 30, amid a recovery in international trade. According to the Panama Canal Authority (ACP), the waterway handled 13,951 vessel transits between October 2025 and September 2026, up 4.1% from 13,404 transits a year earlier. The main drivers of growth were stronger energy shipments and consistently high demand in the container shipping segment.

Total vessel tonnage passing through the canal increased by 6.5% to 521 mln PC/UMS tons, compared with 489.2 mln PC/UMS tons in the previous fiscal year. Vessels using the Neopanamax locks accounted for 52.2% of total tonnage. Tonnage in this segment rose by 8.2% year over year, reflecting a growing share of larger-capacity vessels in canal traffic.

The Panama Canal Authority said the positive performance reflected recovering demand for maritime transportation and shifts in international trade flows. Stabilized water conditions also played an important role, allowing the canal to maintain a maximum vessel draft of 50 feet throughout the dry season. This enabled large vessels to transit without significant restrictions related to water levels.

Amid higher vessel traffic and shipping volumes, Panama Canal revenue increased by 16.6% in fiscal year 2026 to 6.6 bln Panamanian balboas, equivalent to approximately $6.6 bln. Financial performance therefore improved at a faster pace than physical shipping indicators. Revenue growth was supported by increased infrastructure utilization and a higher share of large-capacity vessels.

In addition, the authority reinstated its Last-Minute Reservation service for vessels using the Panamax locks. The service allows carriers without advance reservations to secure an available transit slot. The decision followed water conservation measures and rainfall levels approaching seasonal averages. The authority will continue monitoring water levels and weather conditions, which are essential to maintaining reliable operations along one of the world’s most important maritime routes connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

Tags: Panama Canal