Preparing for Transport of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Through the Panamá Canal

Abstract

ABSTRACT: While the efforts of the National Response Team (NRT) - Panama Canal (in Spanish, Autoridad del Canal de Panamá or ACP) Subcommittee are primarily focused on environmental protection issues, there is evidence that these same concerns may simultaneously have tremendous economic impact. The basis for the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the ACP and NRT agencies was conceived over concerns for pollution events within the area of responsibility of the ACP. In keeping with the spirit of the MOA the Subcommittee has made giant strides improving the preparedness and response capabilities of the ACP. In doing so, the economic interests of the ACP as well as the countries of Panama and the United States have all benefited. Any impacts that may interrupt the day-to-day operations of the Panama Canal would have deleterious worldwide economic effects. We will discuss the increase in LNG vessel traffic over the years since the opening of the expanded locks and the preparedness activities of the two groups.