Panama Canal Administrator provides customers with update on operations

Jorge L. Quijano – the Panama Canal Administrator – has provided shipping line representatives and shipping agents with an update on the canal’s operations since its expansion. During the meeting, Quijano noted that more than 70 vessels have transited the canal since its reopening, with only a minor incident having taken place. The Shell-chartered Maran Gas Apollonia and BP’s British Merchant were the first two LNG vessels to transit the canal.

Quijano said: “We are very pleased with the first month of activity at the Expanded Canal.

"We have the highest esteem for our customers, and we are glad that they have decided to come on board to be part of the newly expanded Canal."

Representatives from MOL, Maersk, MSC, Hamburg Sud, Wallenius Wilhemsen Logistics and China COSCO Shipping all attended the meeting. Shipping agents Wilhelmsen Ship Service, Norton Lilly International, Continental Agencies S.A., Hyundai Merchant Marine Co., Unigreen Marine S.A., Boyd Steamship Corp., Associated Steamship Agents S.A. and C.B. Fenton also attended the meeting.

Quijano added: “We look forward to setting more milestones and making more progress to meet and exceed our customers' expectations and the quality of service they have come to expect at the Panama Canal.

"Our commitment to our customers and the maritime industry is paramount."

Edited from press release by David Rowlands

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/lng-shipping/08082016/panama-canal-administrator-provides-customers-with-update-on-operations-2870/