The Panama Canal recorded growth in both vessel transits and tonnage in Fiscal Year 2026, which ran from October 2025 through September 2026. The Panama Canal Authority says the results underscore the waterway’s ability to meet the demand of global maritime trade while continuing to adapt to the effects of El Niño.
The Panama Canal handled 13,951 transits in FY2026, up 4.1% from 13,404 in FY2025. Growth was driven by energy shipping segments and strong containership performance.
Tonnage reached 521 million Panama Canal Universal Measurement System (PC/UMS) tons, an increase of 6.5% from 489.2 million PC/UMS tons the previous fiscal year.
Vessels transiting the Neopanamax locks accounted for 52.2% of total tonnage, with tonnage through these locks rising 8.2% year over year. This growth reflects the increasing share of larger-capacity vessels using the waterway.
The results reflect a sustained recovery in demand, supported in part by shifts in international trade flows. The Panama Canal also maintained a maximum draught of 50 feet throughout the dry season, providing favourable operating conditions for its customers.
Total revenue for FY2026 reached B/. 6.6 billion, an increase of 16.6% over the previous fiscal year. The Panama Canal Authority says these unaudited figures reflect strong financial discipline and will support investment in strategic projects that will shape the future of the canal.
“Far from restricting trade flows, the Panama Canal facilitates international maritime trade by providing its customers with a reliable and safe route,” Panama Canal Administrator Ilya Espino de Marotta said while presenting the results.
With water conservation measures proving effective and recent rainfall in the watershed approaching average levels, the Panama Canal also announced this week, through an Advisory to Shipping, the immediate reinstatement of its Last-Minute Reservation service for vessels using the Panamax locks.
The service gives vessels without a reservation an additional opportunity to secure a transit slot when one becomes available and the canal, at its discretion, chooses to offer it.
The Panama Canal Authority says it remains committed to closely monitoring water conditions and rainfall and will promptly communicate any further adjustments as circumstances require.