The Panama Canal bunker market has increased in past years as price levels are becoming increasingly competitive to US bunker hubs like Houston, New Orleans and New York.
"Overall, we expect more cargo being transported in all segments, with this cargo shipped by fewer vessels than we see today. Neo-panamax and capesize dry cargo vessels will start passing through the expanded canal, which will result in fewer, yet increased single supply volumes.
However, given that some of these ships will now also be able to call major bunker ports in the US, we expect total supply volume to remian the same. Neither do we foresee any particular developments in regard to more ship owners requesting top-offs in the canal as barging fees remain relatively high. The scenario changes with the expanded canal since the transit time will shorten substantially. The regular two-day waiting time was used by vessels to bunker but with less waiting time prior to transit, that could force ships to bunker after transit.
The canal expansion will increase the number of vessels on longer voyages travelling to the US east coast and reports claims that over the next four years, 10% of container traffic may switch from US west coast to US east coast. "Which could mean changing conditions for the bunker industry and we will see a slow, yet steady, movement towards a less unequal split on total number of west coast and east coast {Balboa vs Cristobal] bunkering operations.
Panama Canal and Panama regional ship and cargo testing and inspection services.
Panama Canal Ship provides testing, inspection, cargo, and other technical services to clients transiting or doing business in the Panama Canal area. Customers include fuel, petroleum, chemical, lubricants, agriculture, maritime, shipping, and many other clients. The main Panama laboratory is located at Balboa port, strategically placed near the Panama Canal. Intertek inspectors operate on both sides of the Canal and throughout Panama.
Panama Canal services:
Bunker Fuel Testing
Bunker Quantity Survey
Cargo Inspection Services
Cargo Additive Treatment
Fire Fighting Foam Testing
Fuel Quality Testing
Oil Condition Monitoring
Panama Petroleum and Chemical Testing
As part of Panama Canal Ship, samples are easily shipped overnight from Panama for testing in other Intertek laboratories for additional testing, if required. Cargo inspection and other services are coordinated with clients and Intertek operations across the world to ensure rapid and prompt service and reporting.