July 02, 2026
The Panama Canal commemorated the tenth anniversary of the opening of its expanded waterway, a milestone that marked a turning point in the history of Panama and global trade.
Ten years have passed since June 26, 2016, when the container ship COSCO Shipping Panama officially inaugurated the new Agua Clara and Cocol� Locks, ushering in a new era for global logistics.
The Canal expansion represented the largest infrastructure project since the opening of the original Canal in 1914, generating tangible benefits for both Panama and the world.
The expansion increased the Canal's capacity, boosting revenues for the country and consolidating the Panama Canal as an essential platform for global trade. It has also strengthened the country's competitiveness while creating new opportunities for economic growth, investment, and employment.
As of May 2026, more than 31,000 transits had passed through the expanded locks since their inauguration. The expanded Canal now accounts for more than 50% of the total revenues generated by the interoceanic waterway.
This performance has been made possible by the recovery of water levels in Gatun and Alhajuela lakes, allowing the Canal to maintain a safe, efficient, and reliable service for international trade.
Source: Panama Canal Authority