Panama Canal Transits Four Carriers in One Day

The Panama Canal reached a new milestone October 1 after the successful transit of four LNG carriers in one day.

"The transit of these four LNG ships in just one day demonstrates the Panama Canal's commitment to maximising the efficiency, flexibility and reliability of its service to all customers," said Panama Canal administrator Jorge Quijano. It breaks a record set April 17 2018 when three LNG vessels transited the canal on the same day, the canal's administration said October 1.

The carriers that transited October 1 were Ribera del Duero Knutsen (cargo capacity of 173,000 m³) and Maran Gas Pericles (174,000 m³) going northbound, while Torben Spirit (174,000 m³) and Oceanic Breeze (155,300 m³) transited southbound, facilitating international trade between customers in South Korea, Japan, Chile and the US Gulf Coast.

As a result of experience acquired with the transit of more than 4,200 Neopanamax-sized vessels, the Panama Canal introduced changes to its Transit Reservation System to offer two slots per day to LNG vessels; those modifications - announced August 2018 which came into effect October 1 - enabled an optimisation of the expanded canal's capacity and facilitated this first transit of four LNG vessels. The changes allow the lifting certain daylight restrictions for LNG carriers, as well as meetings between LNG vessels in opposite directions in Gatun Lake, which is roughly midway along the canal. 

Ship tracking services indicate that the Ribera del Duero Knutsen (shown below and in banner photo above) departed Manzanillo on Mexico's west coast September 21 and is due to arrive Sabine Pass, Louisiana October 6; while Maran Gas Pericles left Pyeongtaek in South Korea Sept.9 and is now seeking orders.  Torben Spirit meanwhile loaded at Sabine Pass Sept.26, destination unclear; while Oceanic Breeze loaded Sabine Pass Sept.24 and is due to unload at Himeji in Japan on November 2.

Credit: Panama Canal Administration