Japan-Operated LNG/LPG Vessels’ Panama Canal Passages Grow Significantly

摘要

It was revealed that the number of Japanese shipping firm-operated LNG and LPG vessels passing through thePanama Canal has increased significantly. The Japanese Shipowners’ Association (JSA) released a survey of vesseloperations by JSA member companies (including their charter of foreign vessels). The Panama Canal finished expansionconstruction to add new locks in June 2016, which allowed LNG vessels and VLGCs (Very Large Gas Carriers) thatcould not go through the canal to use it. As the main route between Asia and the US where shale gas development isgrowing, opportunities to use the canal have been increasing rapidly.