Panama Canal: Transits Rise 4.1% and Revenue Increases 16.6% in Fiscal 2026

The Panama Canal Authority released its fiscal 2026 operating results on October 21. During the period from October 2025 to September 2026, the canal recorded increases in vessel transits, traffic measured in PC/UMS and revenue. According to the authority, growth was driven primarily by the energy transportation and container shipping segments.

Specifically, the canal handled 13,951 vessel transits, up 4.1% from 13,404 in fiscal 2025. Traffic reached 521 million PC/UMS, an increase of 6.5% from 489.2 million PC/UMS a year earlier. PC/UMS (Panama Canal Universal Measurement System) is a vessel tonnage measurement system used by the Panama Canal and does not directly reflect the actual volume of cargo transported.

Financially, the canal generated approximately US$6.6 billion in revenue, up 16.6% from the previous fiscal year. These figures are preliminary and unaudited.

Neopanamax Vessels Make a Major Contribution to Canal Traffic

Vessels transiting the Neopanamax lock system continued to account for a substantial share of canal traffic in fiscal 2026. This segment represented 52.2% of total traffic measured in PC/UMS, while traffic through the Neopanamax locks increased by 8.2% year on year. This trend highlights the growing role of larger vessels on this maritime route.

During fiscal 2026, the canal maintained a maximum draft of 50 feet throughout the dry season. According to the authority, this helped maintain favorable operating conditions for vessels transiting the canal, while water availability remained a key factor in canal operations.

Over the longer term, the Panama Canal Authority continues to advance initiatives under its Vision 2025–2035 framework, including the Río Indio Lake Project. The project is one of the initiatives supporting the canal's strategy for managing and securing the water resources needed for its operations.

Panama Restores Last-Minute Booking Service for Panamax Vessels

At the same time as announcing its fiscal-year results, the Panama Canal Authority confirmed the reinstatement of its last-minute booking service for vessels using the Panamax lock system.

The service gives vessels without prior reservations an additional opportunity to secure a transit slot when availability permits. The allocation of booking slots remains at the authority's discretion, based on operational capacity and conditions at the time.

According to the authority, the service has been reinstated as water conservation measures have proved effective and recent rainfall across the canal watershed has approached average levels. The authority said it would continue monitoring water availability and rainfall, announcing operational adjustments if necessary.

The fiscal 2026 results show year-on-year growth in vessel transits, traffic measured in PC/UMS and revenue at the Panama Canal. The restoration of the last-minute booking service also provides an additional option for shipping lines without advance reservations. However, the ability to secure a transit slot remains subject to operating conditions and the authority's allocation decisions.

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Source: Phaata.com (According to Container News)

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