![\"\"](\"https:\/\/pancanal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/HIMC-2AC.jpg\")
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Panama Canal administrator Ricaurte V\u00e1squez, participated in a fireside chat moderated by senior CNBC editor Lori Ann LaRocco at the Houston International Maritime Conference (HIMC). V\u00e1squez spoke about the strategic development of a gas pipeline and the construction of two ports at both ends of the canal. Through these projects, the Panama Canal seeks to strengthen its capacity to deliver efficient, dependable service to its clients while mitigating risks from climate shifts and global uncertainty. \u201cWe are working hard to ensure that environmental and climate conditions do not disrupt operations. But, through these projects, we are also guaranteeing that the Panama Canal remains committed to diversification with investments that provide operational assurance for the industry,\u201d V\u00e1squez said.<\/p>\n
V\u00e1squez highlighted the growing market demand that is driving the canal\u2019s gas infrastructure initiatives. The Canal has projected that the volumes of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) will double over the next ten years. \u201cAlmost everything that comes from the U.S. going to Asia goes through the Panama Canal…. If we do nothing, we’re going to lose that part of the market share. Our long-term vision for the canal includes capturing that growing volume.\u201d<\/p>\n
V\u00e1squez also addressed the planned development of two new ports at each end of the Panama Canal. He emphasized that across all initiatives, the Canal will welcome participation from companies capable of delivering meaningful value. That value, he explained, will be defined within the framework of what best serves Panama\u2019s long-term interests. \u201cDecisions are made by the Canal and the board. That distinction is important because it eliminates the possibility of political influences\u201d V\u00e1squez said.<\/p>\n
In his closing remarks, V\u00e1squez reiterated the Canal\u00b4s commitment to advancing these projects quickly and efficiency. \u201cWe are having one-on one meetings with terminal operators and shipping clients probably the first week of December. We are trying to get in the terms of reference in order to do pre-qualification. We are moving fast,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The HIMC was organized by the Port of Houston and was supported by the International Longshoremen\u00b4s Association, Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) and the OEC Group, and fosters an environment for stakeholders across the supply chain to collaborate and innovate amid a dynamic maritime commercial landscape.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"