[CLSTR]
API
< Back to all clusters
[BUSINESS] · Panama · 2 sources

started · updated

Part of situation: Panama Canal Advisory Board leadership transition (2 clusters)

Panama Canal appoints Tommy Thomsen as Advisory Board chairman

Panama Canal Tommy Thomsen maritime trade Advisory Board water management

The Panama Canal has appointed Danish shipping executive Tommy Thomsen as the new chairman of its Advisory Board, succeeding former U.S. Navy Admiral William J. Flanagan. The appointment was announced during the 41st Advisory Board meeting held from October 26 to 28, 2026.

During the three-day meeting, board members and advisors evaluated the waterway’s strategic development, focusing on global maritime trade trends, geopolitical shifts, and revenue diversification. Discussions included progress on key initiatives such as a planned gas pipeline, the extension of a logistics corridor, and operational water management strategies to address El Niño impacts.

The board also welcomed two new members: Oscar Hasbún Martínez, CEO of Compañía Sud Americana de Vapores, and Jean Paul Rodrigue, a maritime transport professor. Participants toured the Cocolí Locks and the Integrated Operations Control Center to review vessel coordination and operational performance.

Entities

José Ramón Icaza · McKinsey Global Institute · Panama Canal · Tommy Thomsen · William J. Flanagan

Sources

Panama Canal Strengthens Long-Term Vision Following 41st Advisory Board Meeting [allaboutshipping.co.uk]
Panama Canal appoints Tommy Thomsen as Advisory Board chairman [container-news.com]