More cargo is being transported in containers and the rate of container-isation will reach 87% in 2017, up from 83% in 2012 and 63% in 1995. Forest products and chemicals are the two largest commodities carried in containers, followed by reefer cargoes, other foods, iron, steel, other metals, and scrap. The total container volume handled in ports (including empties and in-transit) reached 610M teu in 2012, an increase of 5% over flows recorded in 2011. In percentage terms, Africa was the region with the highest growth, although this started from a low volume. Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia each increased by 6% and in 2012 these two regions had a 56% share of the total volume handled in ports, compared with a 48% share in 2000. 15 US coal exporters weigh-up Panama Canal advantages The 99-year-old Panama Canal hasn't been a major conduit for coal in recent years but this could change when its $5.25Bn expansion project is completed in mid-2015. "We have received enquiries from a number of companies that are interested in shipping Powder River Basin and Illinois Basin coal to Asia," a spokesman for the Panama Canal Authority said. "The companies are exploring their options." Currently coal traffic through the Panama Canal averages 11M-12M tonnes/year, less than 1% of global seaborne trade. In a world where Capesize vessels rule the seas, the Panama Canal has focused on moving container traffic. The largest bulk commodity that passes through the canal is grain, not coal.
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