The Panama Canal is an artificial 82-km waterway in Panama, dividing North and South America and connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It is a major conduit for maritime trade. In this article, we'll discuss its history, construction, tolls, and impact on international trade. Hopefully, you'll find this article to be informative. Here are a few things to know about the Panama Canal. And, you can learn more about its construction in our interactive infographic.
Construction of the Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is a waterway that connects South America to North America. Before construction could begin, the area surrounding the canal must be constructed and the infrastructure built. Congress established a canal area commission to oversee all transactions. Locals begin work by repairing French buildings, laying railroad tracks for American train cars, and installing working sanitation and water systems. However, the project is not without controversy. Here are some of the key milestones in the construction of the canal.
In 1964, rioting broke out in the Canal Zone, destroying two million dollars of property. Twenty people were killed during the riots. As a result, Panama broke diplomatic ties with the U.S. and appealed to the Organization of American States and the United Nations. This incident served as a rallying cry against the U.S. government's authority in the Canal Zone. On December 18, 1964, President Johnson issued a statement announcing his intention to build a sea level canal. He also announced a new treaty to replace the Treaty of 1903.
Design
The design of the Panama Canal was controversial when it was first proposed. During the early 20th century, engineers believed that the most efficient canals were constructed at sea level, as were most European canals and the Suez Canal. Fortunately, American civil and military engineers were familiar with the design of lock-and-dam systems, which raised and lowered ships into placid waters controlled by dams. This design tended to reduce the amount of land required for the canal, as well as the risk of landslides.
Traffic jams at the Panama Canal entrances
Traffic jams at the Panama Canal entrances impede world maritime commerce, with traffic jams that are three times longer than a football field. These ships are piled high with cargo, making the passage of large ships a major pain. Most of the ships in the Atlantic side of the canal carried grain from the American heartland, while the Pacific-bound ships were filled with cars and electronics. In some cases, the ships had to wait a week or longer to pass.
Tolls
The Panama Canal Authority, the authority that manages the canal, has announced that it has reached the end of its public consultation period on its proposed changes to the toll structure. The proposed changes will result in a lower transit charge per vessel and reduced revenues from the Canal. As a result, transit payments by vessels with similar earning capacities are far different. The new fees will be effective beginning Sept. 1. In addition to the reduced transit charges, there are other changes to the toll structure.
The proposed toll structure will be based on three factors, including vessel size, cargo weight, and lock usage. The new system will be more predictable and give customers price stability. There will be fewer toll levels and a reduced number of tariff categories. In addition, the new system will eliminate the loyalty program for Neopanamax vessels. The Neopanamax locks currently account for 55% of the tonnage transited through the canal.
Impact on international trade
The Panama Canal will continue to be a global force, particularly for investment and trade, but competition for that trade will be fierce. The United States, a partner in the Forum's look ahead program, will use the opportunity to strengthen its presence around the Canal and strengthen regional transparency and strong governance. It should also partner with the ACP to combat corruption in public contract awards and increase transparency in Panama Canal infrastructure projects.
The expansion of the Panama Canal will facilitate the passage of mega-ships that used to be impossible to transit. Post Panamax and Neo-Panamax vessels will increase cargo tonnage and container throughput. This, in turn, will increase competition among transshipment ports and regional ports in the United States. As a result, most countries will invest in new port expansions and logistics centers. The results should be used to inform decision-making regarding the future of the Panama Canal.
Current state
A recent report shows that the Panama Canal has lost more than a third of its tonnage in the past decade. The canal has lost more than a billion dollars in the last three years, and its maintenance program is estimated to cost $1 billion. Despite its deteriorating condition, the Panama Canal Authority remains committed to its service. Despite the setback, it continues to work to ensure the safety of its workers.
Over the past decade, the Panamanian government has promoted economic growth and free trade. Its government has loosened regulations and has actively sought out foreign direct investment. This has made the canal an attractive investment destination for a number of firms. A recent FocusEconomics report noted that the government's fiscal deficit is projected to reach 2.6% of GDP in 2014 and 2.3% in 2015.
Future plans
A key question for Panama's Canal Authority is: What are the future plans for this infrastructure project? The project's development depends on uncertain projections of maritime trade and world economics. Economists Roberto N. Mendez and Humberto Reynolds have both weighed in with their views. They point out that the involvement of the American engineering firm Parsons Brinckerhoff has reduced public confidence in the ACP's budget.
Current capacity limits the Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, have led to frequent bottlenecks. This is a key concern for many users, and the Panama Canal Authority is working to improve its capacity. An expansion of the canal would add a third set of locks, which could handle large new container ships. The New Panamax vessels can stack up to 15 stories high, carrying 12,000 containers. This would help to reduce shipping costs and improve service.
