Panama Canal traffic returns to normal as Ormuz crisis eases; port terminal precalification documents deadline met

The Panama Canal’s daily transits have fallen back to near‑normal levels, dropping from the recent peak of 40‑41 vessels to about 36‑37, said interim administrator Ilya Espino de Marotta. The surge had been driven by the Middle‑East crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, but the administrator noted that the situation is improving. He also warned that a strong El Niño event is prompting the Canal to reduce lock drafts to conserve water, with the maximum draft lowered from 50 feet to 49 feet and expected to fall further through the summer of 2027.

On the same day, the Panama Canal Authority closed the submission period for companies to present documents in the precalification stage for two new container transshipment terminals at Corozal and Telfers. The process, which began on 30 January 2026, will evaluate technical, financial and legal criteria before publishing a list of pre‑qualified firms. The planned terminals represent an investment of about B/. 2.6 billion and are expected to add 5‑6 million TEU of capacity annually, bolstering the competitiveness of Panama’s port system.