The Panama Canal is experiencing a strong grain shipping season with dry bulkers registering record grain cargoes during the first two months of the current fiscal year. New York Times file photo.
Based on the analysis by the Panama Canal’s Marketing Division, in October, a total of 5.2 million long tons of grains were transported through the waterway, the highest level recorded since October 2011. In November, tonnage is likely to reach close to the record cargo tonnage of 6.3 million long tons of November 2011. Transits of Panamax-sized dry bulkers, with beams between 100-106 feet, have increased 22% given the surging grain trade.
“The surge in grain cargo flows through the Panama Canal has been particularly strong for shipments from the US Gulf to China,” explained Maria Eugenia Sánchez, Senior Trade Specialist for the Panama Canal Dry Bulk Market Segment.