Panama Canal operating at top capacity as Iran war triggers more LNG vessel traffic, chief says

RiddleMaster · 2026-03-21T00:45:46+00:00

The Panama Canal is currently operating at maximum capacity, facilitating 36 to 38 vessel passages daily. Increased demand from LNG tankers, fueled by the Iran war, has led to a planned increase in LNG slots available.

RiddleMaster

2026-03-21 00:45:46

Abstract generation in progress

PANAMA CITY, March 20 (Reuters) - The Panama Canal is operating at top capacity with ‌a daily passage of between 36 and 38 vessels, the waterway’s chief Ricaurte Vasquez told reporters ⁠on Friday, adding that the Iran war is boosting demand by owners and operators of liquefied natural gas tankers, particularly those loading at U.S. ports.

The world’s ‌second ⁠busiest waterway, which was already seeing increased traffic of LNG vessels through Panama before ⁠the war, is getting ready to offer one slot per day ⁠for LNG tankers to pass the canal, ⁠from four per month in previous months.

The Reuters Power Up newsletter provides everything you need to know about the global energy industry. Sign up here.

Reporting by Elida Moreno, Editing by Marianna Parraga

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab

Suggested Topics:
Energy
LNG
Gas
Transport Fuels

X
Facebook
Linkedin
Email
Link

Purchase Licensing Rights

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.