(NZHerald)Hands up those who think the Atlantic Ocean is higher than the Pacific Ocean. A few arms were raised. "Hands up if you think the Pacific is higher than the Atlantic." More went up this time. "Who thinks sea-level is sea-level no matter where it is." It was a relief to see more votes cast for this one, but many still seemed unsure. The good thing was that … [Read more...]
Panama Canal key to relationship with Canada
(Montreal Gazette)It's easy to brush off or ignore the federal government's attempt to play up the virtues of its recently negotiated free-trade deal with Panama. The country has a GDP of $28.2-billion, which pales in comparison with Canada's $1.5-trillion economy, and exports to Panama were a rather meagre $91-million last year. But rather than focus on the … [Read more...]
Panama Canal cheers millionth ship to use canal
A Chinese bulk carrier has become the millionth vessel to cross the Panama Canal since it was built almost 96 years ago. Panama Canal authorities are marking the milestone by presenting the Hong Kong-flagged Fortune Plum's captain a plaque and a photo of the vessel as it crossed the waterway on Sept. 4. Panama Canal vice president of operations Manuel Benitez presented … [Read more...]
Panama Canal toll increases prompt fears ships will find another route
by South East Shipping News Concern is mounting over increasing Panama Canal tolls that may prompt carriers to avoid the waterway once the expansion programme to nearly double its capacity is completed in 2015, The Shipping Gazette informs. A string of toll hikes has signalled the canal authority's intention to maximise revenue instead of cargo volumes, Frank Harder, … [Read more...]
One Millionth Ship Crosses Panama Canal 3 Years Ahead Of Schedule
One millionth ship crosses Panama Canal Agence France-Presse First Posted 09:01:00 09/28/2010 PANAMA CITY—A Chinese freighter has become the millionth vessel to cross the Panama Canal three years ahead of the waterway's 100th anniversary, the canal authority said Monday. "The ship 'Fortune Plum,' whose name foreshadowed its good luck, became the one millionth … [Read more...]