Abstract
The Panama Canal (PC) expansion will have an impact on trading patterns and the manner in which goods are transported around the world. Once the third set of locks at the Canal began their operation, it was clear that the way in which vessels transited the canal and their maximum dimensions were going to change. As such, the expanded Canal will undoubtedly mean that a new kind of vessel will come into existence. In terms of dimensions, these Neopanamax ships will be adapted to how the locks operate. However, this effect will not be the same across the full range of traffic. After the first transit on 26 June 2016, it was possible to obtain access to transit data for Neopanamax ships. A thorough statistical study of these new datasets would involve analysing how these new locks impact the vessel size and seaborne transport.
Highlights
The construction of the Panama Canal at the beginning of the last century transformed international commerce by opening up new routes between the countries which previously had no trade relations due to the distances involved
Of lesser consequence, is a change in the safe working load (SWL) and the dimensions of the components used for the towing and mooring systems [4] (PCA, 2016a. p. 73 – Section 30)
For vessel transits completed in the original Canal in recent years, the indication is that these variables are independent for all traffic, with the exception of bulk carriers and oil tankers
Summary
The construction of the Panama Canal at the beginning of the last century transformed international commerce by opening up new routes between the countries which previously had no trade relations due to the distances involved. This meant that there was more time to produce a range of studies on how these modifications would have an impact on shipping. Ungo and Sabonge, [35] analysed the relative competitiveness of the Panama Canal route in comparison with alternatives. They looked at a range of general voyage costs and scenarios for other relevant cost variables. The aim of this study is to analyse how the newly expanded Canal will affect vessels and seaborne trade
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
