panama canal authority

Vance, Rubio On Standby To Follow, If Needed

Iran's proposal to levy transit fees on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route, is emerging as a new flashpoint. This move, aimed at generating revenue and exerting geopolitical leverage, challenges international maritime law and could disrupt global trade, pushing energy markets into uncertainty. Nations like India have rejected the idea.

Over 200 ships are stuck on either side of the channel in the worst traffic jam the Panama Canal has ever seen. A number of causes, including a protracted drought that has decreased water levels in the canal and operational adjustments made by the panama canal authority (ACP) to conserve water, have contributed to the obstruction.

The average wait time for non-booked vessels at the Panama Canal increased significantly last month due to a prolonged drought. Restrictions on daily transits and ship drafts were imposed to conserve water, resulting in longer waiting times for ships. The backlog of ships has eased slightly, but the restrictions are expected to last for at least 10 more months. While there has been a slight increase in rainfall, it is not enough to raise water levels in the canal. Experts predict that the low water levels will persist for the foreseeable future.

The panama canal authority (ACP) has announced that daily ship crossings on the Panama Canal will be reduced by one due to a severe drought. The ACP has implemented various passage restrictions to conserve water, including cutting vessel draft and daily passage authorizations. The new rules will be implemented from November 1st, with nine ships passing through the Neopanamax lock and 22 through the Panamax lock each day. The ACP will also offer a new schedule to reduce waiting times for vessels. Experts warn of possible disruptions to maritime trade due to the ongoing water crisis.

The canal has imposed several restrictions since 2023, though last month the panama canal authority bumped up daily crossings to 27, from 24, as water levels rose at the man-made Gatun Lake which feeds into the canal.

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino denied claims from the US state department that a deal had been reached allowing US warships to transit the Panama Canal for free. Mulino clarified that he had informed US secretary of defense Pete Hegseth that neither he nor Panama could waive transit fees. The panama canal authority also stated there were no adjustments to fees. The disagreement follows recent talks with US officials, including concerns over China's influence in the canal region.

AP Moller-Maersk will use rail transport to avoid the drought-hit Panama Canal, the Danish shipping giant said late on Wednesday, as low water levels have caused one of the world's main maritime trade routes to reduce crossings. The panama canal authority (ACP) has reduced the amount and weight of vessels passing through based on current and projected water levels in Gatun Lake, the rainfall-fed principal reservoir that floats ships through the Panama Canal's lock system, Maersk said.

Farmers and residents protested a planned reservoir on the Indio River, a project by the panama canal authority to address water shortages impacting canal operations and Panama City's water supply. The reservoir, intended to increase ship crossings and support water treatment, faces opposition due to potential displacement of 2,000 people and reduced river flow.

Donald Trump threatens Panama. He wants the Panama Canal back. Trump says Panama charges unfair fees. He cites Chinese influence near the canal. Trump says the US generously helped Panama. He demands secure canal operations. Trump will take office next month.

The US president-elect has accused Panama of charging excessive rates to use the Central American passage. He has also accused Panama of being influenced by China. But what right does he have to claim territory in another country, and can he make good his threat?

Climate change is causing drought conditions that are making it harder to operate the Panama Canal and more expensive to pass through

Greenland’s prime minister, Múte Egede, reacted to President-elect Donald Trump's ambition to buy Greenland and said that the country is not for sale and never will be. “Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale. We must not lose our long struggle for freedom,” Múte Egede, said in a written comment.

Marco Rubio, as the new U.S. Secretary of State, will visit Panama amid concerns over China's growing influence on the Panama Canal. President Trump's claim that China has control of the canal has sparked discussions about U.S. and Panamanian sovereignty and China’s strategic intentions.

Panama's Supreme Court has voided a major Panama Canal ports contract held by a Chinese-linked firm, a significant win for the 'Donroe Doctrine'. This ruling aligns with US efforts to curb Chinese influence over strategic trade routes, complicating Beijing's global commercial footprint and reinforcing US leverage. The decision stems from alleged irregularities, though its geopolitical implications are profound.

The Indian connection to the Panama Canal, built by the US in 1914 and later handed over to Panama, is highlighted by Bhag Singh from Punjab. Arriving in Panama in 1904, Singh contributed significantly to the canal’s construction, enduring hardships and diseases. His grandson, Darshan Singh Deol, advocates for a memorial to honor those who died.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth floated the idea on Wednesday of US troops returning to Panama to "secure" its strategically vital canal, a suggestion quickly shot down by the Central American country's government. His government quickly slapped down the idea. Donald Trump's administration has vouched to "take back" control of the strategic waterway built, funded and, controlled by the US since 1999.

President-elect Donald Trump threatens to demand the Panama Canal's return to the US due to increased usage fees imposed by Panama. However, experts emphasize that reasserting control over the canal, ceded to Panama in 1999 under treaties, is legally and practically impossible without military action.

US soldiers reach Panama for military drills. The aim is to protect the Panama Canal. This follows a bilateral agreement. The agreement allows US troops near the canal. But it prohibits establishing bases. The US military will train with Panamanian forces. This exercise focuses on forest operations. The agreement came after US pressure. Donald Trump claimed China has too much influence over the canal.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Panama to reduce Chinese influence over the Panama Canal, hinting at potential US action. Panama's President José Raúl Mulino acknowledged the concerns but affirmed Panama's control over the canal, prompting protests in Panama City.

President-elect Donald Trump's suggestion of potentially reclaiming the Panama Canal has caused unease in Panama. Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha asserted Panama's sovereignty over the canal. Experts believe Trump's comments aim to secure advantages for US ships or address migration. Past US military actions in Panama heighten concerns over Trump's rhetoric.

A logjam at the Panama Canal is leaving shipowners hauling everything from fuels to grains between the US and Asia with no good options - spend weeks waiting at sea, sail around South America, or pay an exorbitant amount to jump the queue. Japan’s Eneos Group forked out $3.98 million in an auction Wednesday to secure a crossing, bidding documents show. Shipbrokers said Sunny Bright got a slot to cross the congested waterway in the north-bound direction on November 15.

Panama released dozens of migrants deported from the US who were held in a remote jungle camp, amid human rights concerns. The illegal migrants have been told by the Panama authorities that they have 30 days to leave Panama but if they need to extend that they can do it for 60 days.

A top union leader involved in protests against Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino scaled the fence of the Bolivian embassy to seek asylum Wednesday, authorities said, following the arrest of a colleague. According to Panama's foreign ministry, "in the early hours of Wednesday morning, Mr Mendez climbed over the fence of the diplomatic mission, knocked on the door, and with a note in hand requested political asylum."