The Panama Canal is exploring the construction of a gas pipeline as part of a plan to diversify its operations beyond maritime transport. Ricaurte Vásquez, the Canal’s Administrator, announced this initiative during the Houston International Maritime Conference (HIMC), highlighting the search for new business opportunities that leverage the Canal’s strategic geographic location.
Texas ports account for 23% of the Canal’s total cargo, with the Port of Houston as its main client, handling large volumes of containers and oil exports. Approximately 3% of global trade passes through the Panama Canal, which transported 423 million tons in 2024 and expects to increase to 520 million tons in 2025.
Climate change poses a significant challenge for the Canal, which relies on rainfall due to its freshwater system. The diversification strategy — including the proposed gas pipeline — aims to secure alternative sources of revenue and mitigate the impacts of drought episodes anticipated from climate phenomena such as El Niño.
Let’s keep moving forward with the same energy and commitment that define our collaboration!
