Demystifying Panama Canal Operation: Insights from Geneva’s Roundtable

3 July, 2026 – On 2 July, MasOceans took part in “Demystifying Panama Canal Operation: How the System Really Works”, a roundtable organised by the Propeller Club of Geneva at La Mère Royaume.

Our Commercial Director, Martaxelle Erussard, joined Ricardo Young, Managing Director of CAPAS EEV. CORP. – Shipping Agency, our trusted local partner in Panama, to discuss the practical aspects of Panama Canal operations.

Topics discussed included reservation strategies, auction premiums, draft restrictions, arrival timing, delays and the lessons learned from the 2023 El Niño restrictions. It also addressed the practical questions operators continue asking, including how to prepare for challenging periods, how to reduce the risk of missing a slot or paying an auction premium, what happens if a vessel arrives early, and how to prepare for delays.

Combining local operational insight from Panama with a global commercial perspective, the discussion offered two complementary views of today’s Panama Canal operations. It also highlighted the value of trusted local expertise and international coordination.

YOUR VESSELS, OUR PORTS 

If your vessels are planning a Panama Canal transit and require local operational support, please get in touch with Martaxelle Erussard.

 +41 (0) 22 552 0051
 martaxelle@masoceans.com