The Panama Canal authorizes the start of an open bidding process for the transportation of energy products

By De Puy & Asociados

The Panama Canal Board of Directors has authorized to open a bidding process for the development of a new pipeline for the transfer of energy products which will complement operations in the interoceanic waterway.

This complementary activity will be incorporated into the sustainable development of the Panama Canal’s West Bank route, which includes activities and alternatives to transporting products by sea.

The development of this pipeline will strengthen Panama’s strategic position and help keep the Canal competitive by increasing its capacity and providing quality service to the world. Until now, the Canal has solely facilitated the transit of ships, including those carrying fuels, while a separate private pipeline—built in the 1980s—handled limited oil transfers across the isthmus. 

The Administration submitted its request for authorization to proceed with the bidding process, supported by a private initiative proposal, which was evaluated by the ACP and its external advisors to determine its viability.

Based on this proposal, the Canal will conduct a transparent bidding process that will promote the highest level of competition, while seeking the participation of companies that are technically and commercially qualified to execute the development of, and eventual, operation of the pipeline.

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) is an autonomous legal person of Public Law created by Title XIV of the Political Constitution of the Republic of Panama, and which is exclusively responsible for the administration, operation, conservation, maintenance and modernization of the Canal of Panama, as well as its related and complementary activities, in accordance with the constitutional and legal norms in force, in order for it to function in a safe, continuous, efficient and profitable manner.

This decision was reached to strengthen the Canal and to ensure its long-term competitiveness and sustainability. All of this will help to facilitate international maritime trade and, above all, contribute to social investment in Panama.