The Panama Canal facilitates approximately 5% of global trade ($270 billion worth of cargo annually). It aims to make its comprehensive reservation system for ships desiring to traverse it "more permanent." It is also considering the construction of a new reservoir to enhance its capacity.

Despite the challenges posed by the drought triggered by the El Niño phenomenon, the Panama Canal has shown remarkable resilience. From 2023, it had to enforce traffic restrictions, reducing the draft permitted for ships and decreasing the maximum number of vessels authorized to cross it. However, the Canal's representative reassured, "In our pursuit of achieving enduring operational improvements, our objective is to make this reservation system more permanent, even as traffic volumes start to normalize, to further enhance the reliability of the Canal." Recognizing the long-term risk posed by climate variability to the operations of the Panama Canal, the representative emphasized the proactive approach being taken. The Panamanian population's growth and the maritime trade expansion are anticipated to generate increased demand for water, a challenge they are actively addressing. "A promising solution we are considering is the construction of a new reservoir, which would provide capacity for an additional 11 transits," he explained, instilling confidence in the future of the Canal. In late May, the administration of the transoceanic passage announced that it was raising the maximum draft to 45 feet (approximately 13.71 meters) authorized for vessels in the Neopanamax locks of the channel.