Welcome to the Panama Weekly News Roundup! Here’s the latest.
Panama Canal Authority Responds to Bloomberg Article
In response to claims that the Panama Canal is facing challenges in servicing the true traffic demands of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) segment, it’s worth noting a few facts.
The Canal has more than adequate capacity to tend to all vessels transiting its Neopanamax locks. There are no Neopanamax ships waiting to transit and no delays for customers with reservations, including LNG. The Canal also has more than enough tugboats to service these vessels thanks to recent efforts that doubled the number of tugs it employs and tripled the fleet’s overall towing capacity. It’s been precisely this commitment to planning, resourcing and efficiency that helped us transit a record 403.8 million tons of cargo this past fiscal year.
Source: Bloomberg
Canadian killed in plane crash at Panama airport
A Canadian who was test piloting a plane in Panama was killed in a crash on Wednesday afternoon.
An experimental aircraft piloted by Ron Simard crashed at the Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport in Panama City at 1:24 p.m. local time, Aeronáutica Panamá announced on its Twitter account.
Aeronáutica Panamá said the crash took place during takeoff and the organization says that investigators are still looking into the cause of the crash. A Panamanian reporter posted a video of the incident on his Twitter account.
Source: Global News Canada
Panama Canal ups maximum authorized draft for Neopanamax locks
In the wake of recent rainfall that brought two artificial lakes that link to the Panama Canal to their operating limits, the Panama Canal has increased its maximum allowable draft for vessels passing through its Neopanamax locks, canal operators announced Dec. 18.
In the wake of recent rainfall that brought two artificial lakes that link to the Panama Canal to their operating limits, the Panama Canal has increased its maximum allowable draft for vessels passing through its Neopanamax locks, canal operators announced Dec. 18.
Source: American Shipper
Playa Venao: Panama’s hidden gem on the Azuero coast
Panama’s beaches have always been a source of pleasure and relaxation for locals, tourists, and full and part-time expats. Panama is famous for its dual coastlines that stretch the width of the entire country on both the Pacific and Caribbean, and a few names always pop out as the most popular: Coronado, Isla Grande, Las Lajas, San Carlos, Santa Catalina, and now…Playa Venao.
If you’ve lived in Panama for even a short time, you’ve most likely heard of it, but may not have been there yet. This is because for a long time, Playa Venao was a well-kept secret for locals from the Azuero, and some die-hard surfers and nature enthusiasts. Now, the beach is coming full swing into the fold becoming an eco-tourist hot spot, and soon, a popular location to live and retire to as well. Here’s why.
Source: International Relocation Firm Blog
