Today, the Panama Canal commemorates the tenth anniversary of the opening of its expanded waterway, a milestone that marked a turning point in the history of Panama and global trade.
Ten years have passed since June 26, 2016, when the container ship COSCO Shipping Panama officially inaugurated the new Agua Clara and Cocolí Locks, ushering in a new era for global logistics.
The Canal expansion represented the largest infrastructure project since the opening of the original Canal in 1914, generating tangible benefits for both Panama and the world.
The expansion increased the Canal’s capacity, boosting revenues for the country and consolidating the Panama Canal as an essential platform for global trade. It has also strengthened the country’s competitiveness while creating new opportunities for economic growth, investment, and employment.
During the first eight months of Fiscal Year 2026 (October 2025 through May 2026), 8,593 transits were recorded, of which 27.7% correspond to Neopanamax vessels, representing 2,385 transits.
Additionally, as of May 2026, more than 31,000 transits had passed through the expanded locks since their inauguration. The expanded Canal now accounts for more than 50% of the total revenues generated by the interoceanic waterway.
This performance has been made possible by the recovery of water levels in Gatun and Alhajuela lakes, allowing the Canal to maintain a safe, efficient, and reliable service for international trade.
Milestones That Defined the Decade
Throughout its first ten years of operation, the expanded Canal has reached significant milestones that reflect its transformation and its ability to serve new generations of vessels.
On June 26, 2016, the inaugural transit of the COSCO Shipping Panama was completed, followed on June 27 by the Lycaste Peace, the first liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vessel to transit the Canal.
Shortly thereafter, on July 25, 2016, the Maran Gas Apollonia became the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier to transit the Canal, marking the beginning of a new operational chapter for the waterway.
More recently, the expansion has continued to demonstrate its relevance to international maritime trade. On August 30, 2024, the MSC MARIE set a new transit capacity record at the Panama Canal, measuring 366 meters (1,201 feet) in length with a capacity of 17,640 TEUs, underscoring the importance of the infrastructure for high-capacity Neopanamax vessels.
Additionally, on March 26 of this year, the Canal welcomed the inaugural transit of Virgin Voyages with the passage of the Brilliant Lady. Virgin Voyages’ addition to the Panama route reflects the growing interest of the cruise industry in including the Canal in its itineraries, driven by the unique experience of crossing between two oceans and by the Canal’s operational reliability.
Looking Ahead: Water and Sustainability
This first decade of operations has also tested the Canal’s resilience in the face of climate-related challenges, such as those experienced in 2023 and 2024, making responsible water management a national priority.
For this reason, projects such as the Rio Indio Lake are part of a long-term water strategy designed to guarantee both the Canal’s continued operation and a reliable water supply for the population.
A National Achievement That Continues to Deliver
Ten years later, the Canal expansion continues to generate lasting benefits. It remains the country’s largest infrastructure project since 1914 and stands as a symbol of the talent, commitment, and professionalism of the 9,000 Panamanians who make its operation possible every day.
As we commemorate this milestone, we celebrate not only a remarkable engineering achievement, but also Panama’s ability to adapt, innovate, and lead global trade.
Recognizing Strategic Customers
As part of the anniversary commemoration, Panama Canal Administrator Dr. Ricaurte Vásquez Morales and Deputy Administrator Eng. Ilya Espino de Marotta presented commemorative plaques to five Neopanamax vessels transiting the waterway in recognition of their valuable contribution during the first decade of operations of the expanded Canal.
This initiative highlights the close partnership between the Panama Canal and the international maritime industry, as well as the essential role these partners have played in strengthening the Canal’s position as a key hub for global trade.
For more information, please visit: www.pancanal.com/ampliacion
