As the world's critical waterways come into sharp focus, the Panama Canal is in the middle of one of the most ambitious transformation phases in its history.

In this episode, recorded at CMA Shipping 2026, Seatrade Maritime News Correspondent Gary Howard speaks with Dr. Ricaurte Vásquez, Administrator of the Panama Canal, about how the waterway is adapting to climate pressures, growing trade volumes, and the energy transition.

They discuss:

• Lessons learned from the recent drought and new plans for water security, including a major new reservoir project
• The vision for an LPG energy corridor and pipeline handling ethane, propane, and butane between the Atlantic and Pacific
• The development of new container terminals and a cross-isthmus road, and how these projects fit into a wider logistics ecosystem
• How the Canal is shifting from simply moving ships to optimising cargo flows and offering more flexible options to customers
• The net-zero transit slot, the Canal’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2050, and how shipowners are responding
• Investment models, concession structures, and how Panama aims to balance value for customers, investors, and the Panamanian people

Tune in to hear the plans in place to keep one of the world’s most strategic arteries reliable, competitive, and relevant through to 2050 and beyond.

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