Panama Canal reports transit and tonnage growth despite El Niño effects

The Panama Canal reported growth in both vessel transits and tonnage in fiscal year 2026, a period running from October 2025 through September 2026.

According to the authority, the figures highlight the waterway’s capacity to accommodate global maritime trade demand while adjusting to El Niño’s effects.

The waterway handled 13,951 transits during the fiscal year ended September 2026, up 4.1% from 13,404 the previous year. Energy shipping segments and strong containership performance drove the growth.

Tonnage climbed to 521 million Panama Canal Universal Measurement System (PC/UMS) tons, an increase of 6.5% from 489.2 million tons the previous fiscal year.

This story was originally published by Shipping Telegraph. Read the full story at Shipping Telegraph →