During his official visit to Japan, President José Raúl Mulino announced the formal initiation of the process to develop a gas pipeline to develop a gas pipeline gas pipeline along the canal strip. This infrastructure will be the first major component of Panama’s new energy corridor and will mark a strategic step to position the country as a key player in the global transport of natural gas. natural gas.
The announcement, made in Tokyo, was supported by the Minister for Canal Affairs, Jose Ramon Icaza, and the Administrator of the Panama Canal, Jose Ramon Icaza. Panama CanalRicaurte Vásquez. The project is conceived as a response to the needs of global energy trade, without relying on the use of water, which is key in a context of operational sustainability.
Stages of the Panama Canal gas pipeline project
The Canal’s Board of Directors has already authorized the launching of the process to select the future concessionaire. This will be developed in three stages: pre-qualification, dialogue with interested parties and finally the award, scheduled for the last quarter of 2026.
The project, which has attracted the interest of corporations such as Sumitomo Corporation, according to reports Summacould require between US$4 billion and US$8 billion in investment. An average annual generation of more than 6,500 jobs during construction and close to 9,600 in operation is estimated. In addition, tax revenues and added value for the Panamanian economy could exceed 2.7 billion balboas each year during its operational phase.
The initiative is part of the Canal Authority’s broader revenue diversification strategy, which includes an intermodal logistics hub with container terminals in Corozal and Telfers, warehousing areas and a new inland waterway along the west bank.
According to President Mulino, this project seeks to consolidate Panama as an essential node for international trade and transform its geographic position into a lasting competitive advantage. With this project, the canal route will not only transport goods, but also energy to the world.
Source: Panama Canal Authority
Photo: shutterstock
