Panama Canal Authority

Since the Canal first opened on August 15, 1914, the waterway has provided quality transit service to more than 815,000 vessels. Despite the increase in the number and size of transiting vessels in recent years, the total average time spent by a vessel at the Panama Canal remains at slightly less than 24 hours.

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) is the entity of the Government of Panama established under Title XIV of the National Constitution with exclusive charge of the operation, administration, management, preservation, maintenance, and modernisation of the Canal, as well as its activities and related services, pursuant to legal and constitutional regulations in force, so that the Canal may operate in a safe, continuous, efficient, and profitable manner.

Organic Law of 1997, furnishes the ACP with legislation for its organisation and operation. Because of its importance and uniqueness, the ACP is financially autonomous, has its own patrimony, and the right to administer it.

Main cargo that passes through the Canal:

• liquid bulk
• dry bulk
• specialised service segment - passengers
• specialised service segment - vehicle carriers

Revenue for 2008 was PAB2bn.