Increased shipments of liquefied natural gas and other energy products have raised demand for canal transit routes connecting the US with Asian markets. Shipping activity has increased as global energy markets respond to changing international trade conditions.

Credits: Unsplash; Author: Brian J. Tromp;

The increase in traffic comes as the Panama Canal continues recovering from recent drought-related restrictions that previously reduced vessel capacity. Energy exporters are increasingly relying on the canal as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East raise concerns over shipping disruptions and global energy supply chains.