Panama Canal gets US grant for LNG terminal study

When the Panama Canal expansion project is completed next year, the Canal is expected to handle significant LNG tanker traffic.  In order to capitalise on this growth, the ACP is interested in developing LNG-related infrastructure projects, including an import terminal. The project has been on the ACP list of potential ventures to develop, once the Canal expanded would enter in operation.

"As we near the completion of the Panama Canal Expansion, we are eager to explore new segments such as LNG, which are now possible given our enhanced capacity to accommodate longer and wider ships. This grant by the USTDA will build on plans and projects related to LNG that are already ongoing and will present us with the ability to evaluate additional market opportunities and client services for the benefit of the US-Panama energy trade," said ACP Administrator Jorge L. Quijano.

“The US Government is very pleased to partner with the Panama Canal Authority through this USTDA grant as the ACP looks to develop a LNG import terminal in the coming years to take advantage of the Canal expansion project,” said the US Chargé d’Affaires Kevin M. O’Reilly, who signed the grant agreement along with Quijano.  

The USTDA-funded feasibility study will help the ACP set strategic priorities and plan projects related to LNG infrastructure and natural gas utilisation at the Panama Canal.  The LNG terminal is anticipated to support the implementation of maritime-and energy-related projects that will accommodate increased shipping traffic through the expanded Canal.Several international companies are also looking at different locations, on the Atlantic side of the waterway to install LNG-related ventures.