The US Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) released a study November 25 on shipping patterns and industry costs that will help the United States prepare for the anticipated impact on its ports, waterways and intermodal freight systems from the Panama Canal expansion. The expansion of the Panama Canal, scheduled for completion in 2015, will give much larger vessels, called “Post Panamax” vessels, greater access to the US ports on the East and Gulf coasts.
Bulk Transporter magazine’s December issue also examines the potential impact of the Panama Canal expansion. In particular, the Bulk Transporter report explored the likely impact of the Panama Canal expansion on liquid and dry bulk intermodal operations and what Gulf Coast and East Coast ports are doing to ready themselves for “Post Panamax” traffic.
The Panama Canal Expansion Study, the first of a two-part study, found the integration of Post-Panamax vessels into US trade lanes will have substantial implications for the nation’s shippers, ports, and surface freight corridors, particularly along the East Coast, Gulf Coast, and inland states located east of the Mississippi River.
In addition, more cost-effective service generated by the larger vessels could improve the ability of some US exports, such grain, coal, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas, to compete in global markets. In addition, the report noted that shifts in shipping patterns impacting the national transportation system will occur slowly and over time.