In order to enhance the international shipping service capacity and consolidate its strategic position, the Panama Canal Board of Directors recently officially approved the launch of the "New energy products pipeline construction project" public bidding process. The project will be an important part of the sustainable development plan for the West Bank route of the Panama Canal, as a complementary operational facility for the transoceanic waterway to further optimize the efficiency of energy transportation.

According to Panama Canal administrator Ricaurte Vasquez, the canal authorities see transporting gas through Panama as a top priority, but it is also very complicated. The Panama Canal Authority, citing preliminary studies, predicted that the canal could transport more than 2 million barrels of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) per day within the next decade.

According to the plan, the new pipeline will undertake the trans-oceanic transportation of energy products and complement existing waterways. The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) said the move is aimed at responding to the growing demand for global maritime trade by expanding infrastructure and diversifying transport options, while reducing the environmental burden of traditional modes of transport.

The tender is based on feasibility proposals submitted by the private sector, which are evaluated by ACP and a team of external consultants. The tender will follow the principles of transparency and competition, and focus on attracting enterprises with technical qualifications and commercial strength to participate.