LATAM
Movimiento de Contenedores America Latina vs Panama 2005 - 2015
PMA
30,973,297
TEUS
30,453,914
30,755,692
29,920,452 28,093,185 25,224,383 24,836,838 23,398,440 22,802,161 21,484,995 19,468,249
1,241,316 2005
1,357,366
2006
1,825,431 2007
1,900,124 2008
3,070,426 2,944,551
2,506,123
2,086,424
2009
2,971,791 2010
2011
3,092,193
3,039,759 2012
2013
2014
2015
WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH TRANSHIPMENT? Por Rommel Troetsch G. Maritime and Logistic Group, S.A.
The container transshipment is and has been the driving force in Panama’s port development, followed by investments in the railroad and the emerging container transshipment on trucks through the Panama-Colon highway. This has become the second most important maritime business of Panama after the Canal. The large amount of vessels calling Panamanian ports for transshipment operations has added value to the Panama Canal route, thus generating demand for services to the companies of the maritime hub such as bunkering, lubs, groceries, food, naval repairs, inspections to vessels and cargo, and other services required by the vessels, cargo and crew. After two decades of port development, where the authorities seem to ignore the maritime business hub and its potential to deliver added value to Panama’s development, it is not until last year when, for the first time, local media gave coverage to cabinet members recognizing transshipment as the second most important maritime business of Panama, after the Canal, and the importance of enhancing transshipment business in Panama. This is why Panama should bet to continue developing its port infrastructure for cargo transshipment, as the market demands; the matter of discussion shall not be if there are more ports required, but to have all elements in order to promote Panama as a transshipment center.