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Canal Universal Measurement System News

05 Nov 2019

Maritime History & the Panama Canal

Grace Lines COLOMBIA transit of Panama Canal. Source: U.S.Merchant Marine Academy Maritime Museum.

The Panama Canal is a strategic crossroads for maritime traffic, and is arguably one of the most important maritime developments in the past century. Here we take a deeper dive into the history behind that famous strip of waterway.The present canal, which saw its first vessel transits in 1914, along with possible alternatives through Nicaragua and Mexico, had actually been on the minds of merchants, explorers and military/political strategists since the Age of Exploration in early 1500’s.

29 Apr 2015

Panama Council Approves New Canal Tolls

Image: Panama Canal Authority

The Cabinet Council of the Republic of Panama has officially approved a proposal to modify the Canal tolls structure, following a recommendation from the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) Board of Directors. The accepted proposal—which modifies the pricing structure for most Canal segments—will better facilitate the Canal’s goal of providing outstanding service and reliability to the global shipping and maritime community while allowing the ACP to safeguard the competitiveness of the waterway.

06 Jan 2015

Panama Canal Polls Industry on Proposed Fees

ACP touts new Toll Structure as reflecting value of route and better customer service. The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has announced a proposal for a new toll structure, following more than a year of informal consultations with representatives from various industry segments. The ACP Board of Directors approved the proposal on December 24, 2014. Starting January 5, 2015, the ACP is inviting formal comments on the proposal. A public hearing will take place on February 27, written comments must be received by the deadline of February 9, 2015 at 4:15 p.m., local time. Those interested in delivering remarks at the public hearing have until February 9 to communicate their interest to participate in writing.

22 Jan 2014

Panama Canal Reports Record Tonnage

Jorge Quijano

The Panama Canal registered a tonnage record of 87.7 million PC/UMS tons (Panama Canal Universal Measurement System) during the first quarter of the fiscal year (FY), a 4.8% increase from what was forecasted. “These results reaffirm Panama Canal’s impact on international trade and its role of continuing to offer a reliable and competitive service to its customers,” Panama Canal Administrator Jorge L. Quijano said. The Panama Canal fiscal year goes from October 1 to September 30. The previous record was during the first quarter of FY 2012 which registered 86.2 million PC/UMS tons.

21 Jan 2010

Panama Canal FY 2010 Q1 Metrics

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) released first quarter (Q1) operational metrics for fiscal year 2010. In Q1, Canal Waters Time (CWT), the average time it takes a vessel to transit the Canal (including waiting time for passage) significantly decreased. There also were increases in total transits and net tonnage. These metrics are based on operations from October through December 2009, the first quarter of the ACP's 2010 fiscal year, and are compared with Q1 of fiscal year 2009. CWT decreased 27.5 percent – to 20.29 hours from 27.97 hours. CWT for booked vessels, those ships holding reservations, also experienced a decrease of 20.7 percent – to 13.43 hours from 16.94 hours. Total Canal transits increased two percent – to 3,590 transits from 3,520.

01 Nov 2009

Panama Canal Authority FY 2009 Metrics

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) announced its operational metrics for the 2009 fiscal year (FY 2009). Most importantly, Canal Waters Time (CWT), the average time it takes a vessel to navigate the Canal, including waiting time, significantly decreased. Fiscal year 2009 (October 2008 – September 2009) statistics show a slight decline in total transits and tonnage compared to FY 2008. In addition, the Canal experienced growth in some principal segments, most notably, general cargo, dry bulk, and tanker transits. In FY 2009, CWT decreased 26.9 percent – from 31.55 to 23.06 hours. For booked vessels (those ships holding reservations), CWT declined 16.1 percent – from 18.52 in FY 2008 to 15.54 hours this year.

24 Jul 2009

Panama Canal Authority FY2009 Q3

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) released third quarter (Q3) operational metrics for fiscal year 2009. In Q3, Canal Waters Time (CWT), the average time it takes a vessel to transit the Canal, including waiting time for passage, decreased significantly. Additionally, total transits and net tonnage decreased slightly. These metrics are based on operations from April through June 2009, the third quarter of the ACP's 2009 fiscal year, and are compared with Q3 of fiscal year 2008. Average CWT decreased 47.9 percent – to 19.96 hours from 38.31 hours. CWT for booked vessels (those ships holding reservations) decreased 26.5 percent – to 14.53 hours from 19.77 hours. In Transit Time (ITT) also decreased 26.6 percent – to 9.55 hours from 13.02 hours.

16 Apr 2009

Panama Canal Authority 2009 Q2 Metrics

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) released second quarter (Q2) operational metrics for fiscal year 2009. In Q2, Canal Waters Time (CWT), the average time it takes a vessel to transit the Canal, including waiting time for passage, decreased significantly, while total transits and net tonnage remained nearly flat. These metrics are based on operations from January through March 2009, the second quarter of the ACP's 2009 fiscal year, and are compared with Q2 of fiscal year 2008. Average CWT decreased 27.9 percent – to 26.22 hours from 36.39 hours. CWT for booked vessels (those ships holding reservations) decreased 19.5 percent – to 15.83 hours from 19.66 hours. The drop in CWT can be attributed to the ACP’s efficient operations and a slight decline in transits.

17 Nov 2008

Panama Canal 4Q Metrics

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) released fourth quarter (Q4) operational metrics for fiscal year (FY) 2008. These metrics are based on operations from July through September 2008, the fourth quarter of the ACP's 2008 fiscal year and are compared with Q4 of FY 2007. In Q4 of FY 2008, tonnage decreased minimally, but tanker and passenger transits and tonnage jumped significantly. During Q4 of FY 2008, Canal Waters Time (CWT), the average time it takes a vessel to transit the Canal (including waiting time for passage), decreased nearly 10 percent to 26.73 hours from 29.61 hours in Q4 of FY 2007.

27 Oct 2008

Panama Canal Announce Results

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) announced its operational metrics for the 2008 fiscal year (FY 08). Year-end (October 2007 – September 2008) statistics reveal a marginal decline in total transits and tonnage when compared to FY 07. However, the Canal also experienced growth in core segments, most notably tanker and passenger transits. transits remained fairly constant, with a slight decline of 0.1 percent – from 14,721 to 14,702 transits. Booked transits (excluding auctioned slots) increased 3.9 percent – from 7,857 to 8,167 transits.

20 May 2008

Panama Canal Releases 2Q Data

Total Canal transits decreased 2 percent during Q2 – from 4,053 to 3,971 transits. Panama Canal/Universal Measurement System (PC/UMS) tonnage also dropped 2.6 percent – from 80.4 million PC/UMS tons to 78.4 million PC/UMS tons. Passenger transits increased 34.8 percent – from 92 to 124 transits – while dry bulk transits rose 6.7 percent, from 586 to 625 transits and dry bulk cargo tonnage increased 10.4 percent, from 12.3 to 13.5 million PC/UMS tons. The number of containers, vehicle carriers, tankers and general cargo dropped when compared to figures for FY 2007. Refrigerated cargo transits slightly decreased, by 1.4 percent, but refrigerated cargo tonnage increased 1.1 percent – from 5.6 million PC/UMS tons to 5.7 million PC/UMS tons.

18 Mar 2004

Panama Canal Sets Record in Tons of Cargo

March 16 was a great day for the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) as a new significant record was set. More than one million (1,005,551) Panama Canal/Universal Measurement System (PC/UMS) tons of cargo were transported through the Canal. This new record breaks the recent July 3, 2003 figure of a recorded 934,488 PC/UMS tons of cargo. Contributing to the tonnage were the Canal traffic of seven container vessels, 11 dry bulk carriers, four vehicle carriers and three cruise ships. Of the seven container vessels, five were 900 feet long. And, of the cruise ships, one ship was 900 feet long and another measured 800 feet. In addition, total Canal revenue, generated from tolls, exceeded three and one half million dollars - totaling $3,563,490.55.

18 Mar 2004

Panama Canal Sets Cargo Record

On March 16 the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) set a new significant record. were transported through the Canal. recorded 934,488 PC/UMS tons of cargo. four vehicle carriers and three cruise ships. long. And, of the cruise ships, one ship was 900 feet long and another measured 800 feet. totaling $3,563,490.55. "We are very pleased with the new record we have set," said ACP Administrator Alberto Alemán Zubieta. goods to market from Asia to the U.S. East Coast and vice-versa," Alemán added. increased capacity. tugboats and the deepening of Gatun Lake.

29 Apr 2004

Panama Canal Reports Increased Tonnage Flow

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) announced today second quarter (Q2) operational metrics for fiscal year 2004. Q2 data reveals an increase in tonnage flow and a rise in Panamax vessel (the maximum size vessel that can pass through the Canal) transits. Moreover, there was a notable increase in Canal revenue. These metrics are based on operations from January through March of 2004, the second quarter of the ACP's 2004 fiscal year. Panama Canal/Universal Measurement System (PC/UMS) tonnage increased this quarter by 7.8 percent - to 68,188,071 PC/UMS tons compared with 63,268,516 PC/UMS tons reported in Q2 FY2003. A record set on March 16, 2004, of more than one million (1,005,551) net PC/UMS tons transited through the Canal in one day helped to bolster these numbers.

05 Aug 2004

Panama Canal Traffice Rises

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) announced today third quarter (Q3) operational metrics for fiscal year 2004. Q3 data reveals an increase in total transits, growth in revenue and a rise in PC/UMS tonnage moved through the Canal. Moreover, the Canal’s safety improved with a significant decline in accidents. These metrics are based on operations from April through June of 2004, the third quarter of the ACP's 2004 fiscal year. Two official accidents were reported this quarter compared with five in Q3 of FY2003 – a 60 percent reduction. An official accident is one in which a formal investigation is requested and conducted. Panama Canal/Universal Measurement System (PC/UMS) tonnage increased this quarter by 13.2 percent – to 68…

07 Dec 2004

Canal Proposes New Containership Pricing System

After nine months of informal consultations with its customers and the maritime industry, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) today announced a formal proposal to update their current vessel measurement and pricing system for full container vessels and other vessel types with on-deck container capacity. The ACP’s proposal would change the system that the Canal currently uses for the container segment – from the Panama Canal Universal Measurement System (PC/UMS) to the industry standard of the Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit (TEU). The updated measurements and pricing system will bring the ACP’s system on par with international standards of the container industry…

28 Dec 2004

Panama Canal Celebrates 5 Years

Five years since the Panama Canal was handed over to the Panamanian people from the United States, the waterway is running better and safer than ever in its 90 years of operation. Beginning a new century under Panamanian stewardship, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has set and broken records, made significant improvements and invested in the equipment and infrastructure of the waterway. These accomplishments have helped the “All-Water Route” (the route from Asia to America’s East Coast via the Panama Canal – and back) become a very attractive option for the industry to move cargo between these markets. The five-year anniversary of the Handover falls on December 31, 2004.

14 Dec 2004

Panama Canal Announces Record Tonnage

Only two months into the 2005 fiscal year, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) is already breaking records once again. The ACP announced today that during the months of October and November, a total of 46,956,399 Panama Canal/Universal Measurement System (PC/UMS) tons were moved through the waterway - a 7.1 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Moreover, during the month of November, a daily average of 778,176 PC/UMS tons transited through the Panama Canal. This new figure breaks the record of 774,014 PC/UMS tons previously held in April 2004. "This record is a testament to the reliability and efficiency of the Panama Canal.

17 Feb 2005

Panama Canal Debuts Revised Measurement, Pricing

Following a recommendation from the Board of Directors of the Panama Canal Authority (ACP), the Cabinet Council of the Republic of Panama today approved a new measurement and pricing system for full container vessels and other vessel types with on-deck container carrying capacity. “The bottom line is that we simply closed a loophole that prevented us from charging for containers carried on-deck,” said Administrator/CEO Alberto Alemán Zubieta. “Today, with some ships carrying more containers on-deck than in the ship’s belly, this new system is more equitable, more transparent and will provide the Canal with a fair price. The ACP included in the revised system several recommendations from informal and formal consultations with representatives from maritime associations…

06 Aug 2007

Panama Canal Authority Releases Q3 Metrics

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) released third quarter (Q3) operational metrics for fiscal year 2007. Canal Waters Time (CWT), the average time it takes a vessel to transit the Canal including waiting time for passage, decreased. In Q3, there was also a minor decrease in net tonnage, total transits and booking slot utilization. These metrics are based on operations from April through June of 2007, the third quarter of the ACP's 2007 fiscal year, and compared to Q3 of fiscal year 2006. Panama Canal/Universal Measurement System (PC/UMS) tonnage decreased 0.3 percent - to 75.6m PC/UMS tons from 75.9 million PC/UMS tons. Total Canal transits also decreased 0.3 percent - to 3,727 transits from 3,737.

11 Jun 2007

ACP Releases Second Quarter Metrics

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) released second quarter (Q2) operational metrics today for fiscal year 2007. In Q2, there was an increase in net tonnage, total transits and booking slot utilization. There was also an increase in official accidents. Canal Waters Time (CWT), the average time it takes a vessel to transit the Canal including waiting time for passage, decreased. Q2 of fiscal year 2006. Panama Canal/Universal Measurement System (PC/UMS) tonnage increased 6.30 percent - to 79.7 million PC/UMS tons from 75 million PC/UMS tons. The steady climb in tonnage was complemented by an increase in traffic, including transits of Panamax vessels (the largest vessel that can transit the Canal). 4,052 transits from 3,869.

28 Feb 2007

Panama Canal Authority Releases Q1 Operational Metrics

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) released first quarter (Q1) operational metrics today for fiscal year 2007. In Q1, there was an increase in net tonnage, total transits and transits of supers (vessels 91 feet or more in beam). No official accidents occurred this quarter. transit the Canal including waiting time for passage, increased, as well as booking slot utilization. first quarter of the ACP's 2007 fiscal year, and compared to Q1 of fiscal year 2006. Panama Canal/Universal Measurement System (PC/UMS) tonnage increased 11.7 percent – to 79.9 million PC/UMS tons from 71.5 million PC/UMS tons. the Canal experienced an increase in traffic. Total Canal transits increased eight percent – to 3,568 transits from 3,299.

10 Feb 2003

Panama Canal Authority Announces Quarterly Metrics

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) released results from first quarter operations that show traffic on the Canal has increased both in terms of ships and Panama Canal Universal Measurement System (PC/UMS) tonnage and that vessels are moving more quickly through the Canal and with fewer accidents than a year ago. These improvements are based on operations from October through December of 2002, the first quarter of the ACP's fiscal year 2003. During the first quarter of FY2003, the Canal continued to improve its safety record, reducing maritime accidents by 33.3 percent with only four accidents -- compared to six for the same period last year.