Importance of the Panama canal in the reduction of CO₂ emissions from maritime transport

Gas and particle emissions from shipping as a consequence of the development of globalized international trade have become a cause for environmental concern. In this context, it is worthwhile to analyze any factors which may affect International Trade, and therefore Maritime Transport (MT). The expansion of the Panama Canal, which has enabled new possibilities for interoceanic connections, should be analyzed because of its impact on MT emissions. The impact of the Canal’s expansion on Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions may be considered from a global perspective, analyzing how the expansion has affected ship emissions worldwide; or from a local perspective, analyzing the impact of these emissions on the geographic area in which the Canal is located, which is the Isthmus of Panama. Beginning with the expanded Canal’s (EPC) initial period of operation, this study develops a model and calculation methodology which make it possible to determine the impact of MT on GHG emissions. In addition, variations in local emissions from ships in the coastal regions of Panama are also analyzed.