Today, the Panama Canal Authority, made direct contributions to the National Treasury totaling B/.2,470,785,187.98 for fiscal year (FY) 2024. These contributions come from surplus funds, tolls per transit tons, and payments for services provided by the state to the canal authority.  The contribution affirms the Panama Canal Authority’s dedication to hard work and itsr commitment to operate efficiently throughout the year, despite the challenges it faced.

After approving the financial statements from October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024, the Board of Directors declared B/.1,952,410,439.96 as the economic surplus derived from operating the waterway in FY24, as well as B/.516,403,527.80 gained through tolls. Among the direct contributions, B/.1,971,220.22 were included as the public services fee.

During this period, the Panama Canal Authority faced a historic water crisis due to a lack of rainfall, which required the implementation of several operational measures, such as adjusting vessel draft levels and reducing the number of daily transit reservations.

Thanks to a successful water, operational, and financial strategy, however, the canal authority was able to optimize itsr water usage and ensure service continuity, while minimizing the impact on international trade, and guaranteeing a financial profit to the country.

The delivery of the contributions occurred during an official visit by the President of the Republic, José Raúl Mulino, to the Cocolí Locks today.

The President congratulated the Canal’s workforce on its performance during such a challenging year and emphasized that, “We are all definitely very proud to see this essential and renowned global operation.”

The Minister of Canal Affairs and Chairman of the Panama Canal Board of Directors, Jose Ramón Icaza, said that delivering funds at the locks broke with the historical tradition of holding the ceremony at the Palacio de las Garzas. He also thanked President Molino for his visit and noted that, “…it demonstrates the importance that the National Government places on the work that all Canal employees do every day.”

Meanwhile, the Administrator of the Panama Canal, Dr. Ricaurte Vásquez Morales said, “We Panamanians have worked very hard in a very difficult year. We have relied on the most creative possibilities and talent from this fantastic team. The results speak for themselves. We have faced challenges the environment has imposed upon us and continued to work very hard to ensure the reliability of the route.”

With the delivery of the surplus for FY24, the Panama Canal Authority continues to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to the economic development of the country.