On August 7, the Bristol Hotel in Panama City hosted the forum “Port Challenges in the Interoceanic Region.” The event, organized by Panorama Marítimo y Logístico and sponsored by the Panama Maritime Association (MAPA) with the participation of MundoMaritimo as a media partner, brought together the public, private, and specialized sectors to analyze the present and future of Panama's logistics hub, highlighting its importance in regional and global logistics.

“Panama has the potential to remain a key transshipment center and an example for the region, but it needs to integrate digitization, adequate road infrastructure, 24/7 operation, and cost reduction,” explained Ricardo Lince, president of MAPA. "This forum should generate clear and executable short-term commitments that are self-financing with tangible results, implemented by the private sector in coordination with the authorities. The key is to act together with determination, leveraging the experience, location, and talent available," he added. 

Volney Guinard, secretary of the Panama Maritime Authority, also stressed the importance of the country continuing to maintain its economic stability, consolidated through a strategic port network, which has allowed it to become increasingly integrated into the dynamics of international trade. He also stated that it is necessary to “keep a constant eye on new trends in international trade with global challenges that affect logistics and the strengthening of local capacities, and to conduct constant, informed, and collaborative analysis, such as that promoted by a space like this.” For this reason, he explained, the AMP reaffirmed its commitment to promoting multisectoral meetings and the exchange of experiences.

During the event, the strategic importance of Panamanian ports was reiterated, not only as key infrastructure for global connectivity, but also as engines of development that generate employment, investment, and competitiveness. It was also highlighted that their role within the international supply chain remains vital to positioning the country as a world-class logistics hub.

Intra-regional trade in Latin America

The urgency of strengthening maritime and logistics infrastructure in Latin America was one of the key points highlighted by Antonio Domínguez, president of Maersk for Latin America, during his speech. In a global context where trade between regions is growing rapidly, he called for a rethinking of regional integration from a more ambitious maritime and logistics perspective.

“Intra-American trade is growing at 4.3%, above the global average and overall container growth,” he said. This data highlights the need to build an efficient regional maritime network that will boost local economies without relying exclusively on global routes. The major obstacle, according to Domínguez, is infrastructure. The inability to engage in cabotage in many countries—that is, the transport of goods between national ports by sea—limits the internal development of the logistics sector, he explained.

He cited Colombia as an example of a country that needs clear rules for moving cargo along its rivers, as is already happening successfully in Brazil. “These are things that can lead to more logistics centers and help regional freight transport,” he said, highlighting the urgency of creating robust and efficient transshipment centers that also facilitate trade between countries on the continent.

Sailing towards zero emissions

One of the key messages from the panel that focused its analysis on the issue of emissions was that sustainability is also an economic opportunity: ports and operators that lead this change will be more attractive to global shipping companies, which are increasingly committed to reducing their environmental footprint.

Among the topics discussed were: technological innovations applicable to ship design, energy efficiency, alternative fuels (such as green methanol, ammonia, and LNG), and electrification of port operations; the urgency of modernizing port infrastructure to adapt to environmental requirements, facilitating connection with sustainable logistics chains; Panama's role as a key point in the maritime energy transition, taking advantage of its geographical position and logistics platform to lead change in the region; and the need for regional cooperation and public-private partnerships to finance sustainable projects and accelerate the implementation of clean technologies.

Challenges of the Dry Canal

This panel presented a strategic vision that seeks to position Panama not only as a waterway, but also as a comprehensive logistics hub. This proposal envisions the efficient integration of all actors in the system: ports, railways, road transport, and logistics zones, working together under unified planning. The goal is to double the current capacity for land-based container transport to reach up to 15 million TEUs per year and offer an attractive and sustainable value proposition for international trade.

The dry canal, a land connection that complements the Panama Canal, although it already has legal support through recent decrees, still lacks a clear operational structure that would allow for its effective implementation. On this occasion, it was emphasized that without logistics planning and defined procedures, this intermodal route will not be able to function as a truly efficient alternative for the movement of cargo between coasts.

Additionally, “the lack of digitization, access limitations, and poor road capacity are obstacles to attracting new shipping companies. Those that want to come cannot, and those that are here sometimes cancel their operations,” said Julio Solís De La Rosa, commercial manager and head of Panatruck's transshipment division. 

In conclusion, a call to action was made: Panama must take on a leading role in the region, and to achieve this, it is necessary to invest in infrastructure, establish clear rules for the dry canal, and ensure a modern, competitive logistics system that is aligned with the demands of global trade.

Port challenge. New investments

At a key moment for global trade, Panama faces the urgent challenge of expanding and modernizing its port infrastructure to maintain its position as an interoceanic logistics hub. During the last panel, entitled “Port Challenge: New Investments,” industry experts agreed that the country needs to move forward with determination on port expansion and development projects.

One of the main topics discussed was the progressive saturation of ports on both coasts of the country. The growing demand for logistics services and the increase in cargo volume have highlighted the need for new port terminals that allow for smoother, more efficient, and more competitive operations. It was noted that if this situation is not addressed in time, Panama runs the risk of losing cargo to other more agile regional destinations.

In addition to physical works, the forum highlighted the importance of improving regulatory and operational conditions to attract investors. Decisions on port projects require long-term planning and legal stability, which is why the need to establish a favorable environment for private capital and strategic public-private partnerships was emphasized.

“It's not about creating monopolies, it's about creating competition, and that's where efficiency lies,” concluded Ricaurte Vasquez, administrator of the Panama Canal Authority.

By MundoMaritimo