Panama Canal publishes prequalification documents for port initiatives and energy pipeline

The Panama Canal Authority published, the pre-qualification documents for two strategic initiatives. These include the development of an energy corridor pipeline and the construction of container port terminals on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The publication represents a significant step forward in the process of selecting future concessionaires.

The pre-qualification document and its amendments, available through the Panama Canal’s online procurement system, allow interested parties to submit the required documentation for review by a technical evaluation board.

The publication of the official pre-qualification document was approved by the Board of Directors following an analysis and market engagement process led by the Complementary Business Committee. As part of this effort, the Panama Canal Authority held group conferences and one-on-one meetings with industry representatives.

Initial market outreach meetings were held on September 18th with companies in the energy sector to discuss the pipeline initiative, and on October 27th with representatives of the maritime industry to identify potential participants for the port terminal projects. A series of follow-up meetings with prospective participants was then conducted to collect technical feedback, validate market assumptions, and refine the documentation supporting the selection process.

Energy Corridor Pipeline

The initiative includes an approximately 76-kilometer pipeline with access to terminals on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The pipeline is designed to transport propane, butane, and ethane, with an estimated capacity of up to 2.5 million barrels per day. It does not require transit through the canal’s locks and does not involve additional water consumption.

In support of the initiative, the Panama Canal Authority held meetings with ENEOS, Energy Transfer, ExxonMobil, Enterprise Products Partners, Chevron, Fortress Investment Group, Gyxis Corporation, Itochu Corporation, NMDC Group, Vopak, Astomos Energy, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Iwatani, I Squared, Movement Industries, Otamerica Oiltanking America, Phillips 66, SK Gas, Sumitomo Corporation, SMBC Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Targa Resources, Ultranav, and ONEOK.

Development of Container Port Terminals

This initiative includes the development of two container port terminals, one on the Atlantic coast and one on the Pacific coast. The project aims to increase Panama’s national transshipment capacity to between 5.0 and 6.0 million TEUs per year and strengthen Panama’s position as a globally competitive intermodal hub.

As part of the market engagement process, the Panama Canal Authority held individual meetings with representatives from APM Terminals, Cosco Shipping Ports, CMA Terminals, DP World, Hanseatic Global Terminals, MOL, PSA International, SSA Marine-Grupo Carrix, Terminal Investment Limited, ONE, and Evergreen.

Land for strategic development

To secure key areas for the development of strategic projects, the Panama Canal Board of Directors authorized a real estate purchase with the Nation, through the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

This transaction will allow the Panama Canal to incorporate areas necessary for initiatives related to strengthening the intermodal logistics hub.

Multisectoral social approach

The Canal's strategic projects incorporate a social and environmental approach from the outset, recognizing that logistics and infrastructure development must go hand in hand with the well-being of the communities that live in the Canal's areas of influence, both on the Atlantic and Pacific sides.

Both initiatives are part of the Panama Canal Authority Strategic Vision 2025 - 2035, which focuses on diversifying services, strengthening operational resilience, and reinforcing Panama’s position as a leading global logistics hub.