Keeping in mind the rapid pace of globalization and its privileged geographical position, Panama has developed a multimodal transportation infrastructure to complement the Panama Canal. Panama’s multimodal logistics center encompasses the combined use of sea, land, and air for the transportation of cargo. In the coming years, Panama is expected to become the region’s most important multimodal logistics center. Approximately 13,000 vessels transit through the Panama Canal every year, representing the foundation of the country’s maritime commercial activity. This high level of trade-related activity has turned Panama into a first-rate commercial center, allowing for the shipment of goods to and from all corners of the world. The use of the Panama Canal transit route also works well with the Col’on Duty Free Zone, our highly efficient ports on both oceans, our railroad and highway facilities, and our airports in the cities of Panama and Colon. |
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Port System With facilities on both oceans, Panama’s maritime ports system has made it a top notch commerce hub. Panama transships over 2 million containers every year, which makes it the number one container transshipment center in Latin America. In addition, Panama’s Manzanillo International Terminal is considered the most efficient port in Latin America, transshipping nearly 1.5 million TEUs a year. |
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• Manzanillo International Terminal • Colon Container Terminal (operated by Evergreen) • Colon Port Terminal (operated by Hutchinson) • Colon 2000 Cruise Ship Terminal |
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Major ports in the Pacific coast: • Panama Port Terminal (operated by Hutchinson) • Rodman Pier (operated by Alireza Mobil) The government of Panama will soon make the contract for the construction of a new "Megaport" on the Pacific coast available for public bidding. |
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Highway and Railroad system Running parallel to the Canal, the Panama Canal Railway (operated by Kansas City Southern Railways), originally built in the mid 1800s, was recently reconditioned and reopened. The project modernized and adapted for use this historic railway, which was the first transcontinental railroad of the Americas. The Panama Canal Railway allows for cargo to travel the 47-mile distance between ports in the Atlantic and the Pacific in a mere 45 minutes. |
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Air Travel Panama also enjoys five "full service" airports, meaning that they include customs and immigration facilities. The country's main airport is Tocumen International Airport, located 15 minutes from downtown Panama City. |
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