Canal Expansion Study News

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) today released a study on shipping patterns and industry costs that will help the United States prepare for the anticipated impact on its ports, waterways and intermodal freight systems from the Panama Canal expansion. The expansion of the Panama Canal, scheduled for completion in 2015, will give much larger vessels, called “Post Panamax” vessels, greater access to the U.S. ports on the East and Gulf coasts. “America’s ports keep our economy moving,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.

MARAD Hosts Public Outreach Meetings for the Panama Canal Expansion Study and America’s Marine Highway Program. Maritime industry stakeholders are invited to participate in a series of day-long outreach sessions sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD). The morning sessions will focus on the potential impacts of the Panama Canal Expansion on U.S. ports and infrastructure, while the afternoon sessions will explore opportunities to incorporate America’s Marine Highways into the National Transportation System.