Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Commissioner Louis E. Sola has returned from a week-long visit to Panama with Chairman Daniel B. Maffei, where they learned how ongoing drought conditions impact the Panama Canal. The visit emphasized the importance of US-Panama collaboration to ensure the stability of the ocean-linked supply chain.
During the trip, Commissioner Sola held a series of in-depth meetings with key stakeholders, including Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino; US Ambassador to Panama Mari Carmen Aponte; the leadership of the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) and Panama Maritime Authority; and Minister of Ambiente (Minister of Environment) Juan Carlos Navarro.
Commissioner Sola is confident Panama will take all steps necessary to minimize disruptions to Canal operations in any future drought years. Although there will always be challenges concerning the US supply chain, the Commissioner is optimistic that continuing collaboration between the FMC and key officials in Panama will result in improving the efficiencies of this critical global trade route. Commissioner Sola noted that in ACP Fiscal Year 2023 72.5% of the cargo transiting the Canal either originates in, or is bound for, the United States, highlighting the drought’s significance as a critical maritime issue.
The FMC remains committed to conversations with key maritime stakeholders to ensure the operations of a reliable maritime transportation system. Commissioner Sola’s visit marks a significant step in strengthening these essential international partnerships.
Louis E. Sola is a Commissioner with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission. The thoughts and comments expressed here are his own and do not necessarily represent the position of the Commission.
