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.