The Panama Canal set an all-time historical record for total cargo volume transported in the 2026 fiscal year. Driven by rising demand and shifts in global trade routes, 521 million tons of cargo were moved through the waterway. This represents a 6.5 percent increase compared to the previous fiscal year, surpassing the previous record of 518 million tons registered in 2022.
Sea-news.az reports that during the fiscal year ending September 30, a total of 13,951 vessels transited the canal. This reflects a 4.1% increase year-on-year. Total cargo volume grew by 6.5%, reaching 521 million Panama Canal Universal Measurement System (PC/UMS) tons.
The canal’s total revenues climbed by 16.6%, reaching approximately $6.6 billion.
Heightened demand for the Panama Canal was spurred as vessels rerouted away from the Suez Canal toward alternative routes due to security risks in the Red Sea and ongoing conflict in the Persian Gulf region.
Simultaneously, effective water resource management measures enabled the canal administration to maintain the maximum allowable draft for vessels at 50 feet (15.24 meters), even during drought periods.
Amid improving water levels, the canal authority also restored last-minute transit reservation services for vessels transiting the Panamax locks. Starting October 15, daily transit slots were increased to 33.
