During these kinds of commemorations, we always remember the challenge brought by the prolonged drought that hit this country last year, and impacted the reservoirs of the Gatun and Alajuela artificial lakes.

This drought was the most severe since the Canal was expanded in 2016.

For many, thanks to the work and dedication of its workforce, the water-operational strategy was implemented opportunely to optimize water resource conservation prioritizing, above all, water to supply more than half of the population.

At present, the Canal remains focused on improving its reliability, efficiency, and responsiveness to the changing needs of the maritime industry.

Since its opening on August 15, 1914, with the passage of the SS Ancon steamer, the Panama Canal has taken advantage of its geographical position to serve global trade, which was optimized by having a route that saves time, distance, and costs for the maritime transport of products between different countries.

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