Panama Canal to Develop Gas Pipeline for Interoceanic Energy Corridor

Panama has launched the development of its first canal gas pipeline as part of an interoceanic energy corridor, President Jose Raul Mulino announced. The project, aimed at boosting Panama’s role as a global trade hub, will begin prequalification this year with a concessionaire expected by late 2026.

(Reuters) — Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino announced the start of a process to develop a new gas pipeline interoceanic energy corridor for the canal during an official visit to Japan, the Panama Canal said in a statement on Sept. 3.

The pipeline will be the first major project of this infrastructure platform, aimed at strengthening the country's competitiveness and addressing a strategic need in the global energy market, the statement added.

The Panama Canal board has authorized the selection process, with prequalification of interested parties expected to begin this year and the final concessionaire would be chosen by the fourth quarter of 2026, the waterway's administration added.

The project is part of the revenue diversification strategy for the Panama Canal, which seeks to expand service offerings, increase cargo capacity without additional water use, and aims to position Panama as a key global trade hub.