The proportion of vessel capacity operating from Asia to ECNA via the Suez Canal increased from around a third between October 2010 and October 2012 up to 42% in October 2013, with the Panama Canal’s share conversely falling from two third’s to 58%. Source: Drewry Maritime Research
The further postponement to the opening of the Panama Canal’s enlarged locks from mid-2015 to end 2015 will be welcomed by the Suez Canal Authority. It has already persuaded several ocean carriers operating on the arterial route between Asia and the East Coast of North America (ECNA) to change allegiance this year, and now has more time to persuade others to follow suite.