The Panama Canal is extending its Long-term Slot Allocation (LoTSA) program to both lock sets for the first time, covering January-April 2027, with sealed-bid competitions set for November 2026.
Experts from the Panama Canal, the Smithsonian, and IMHPA warned that a strengthening El Niño could bring an early dry season, threatening canal operations and drinking water for more than half of Panama’s population.
The Panama Canal Board of Directors has appointed 28-year canal veteran Miguel Antonio Lorenzo Fábrega as Deputy Administrator, placing a senior engineering leader alongside Administrator Ilya Espino de Marotta. He replaces acting deputy Rubén Pérez Pinzón.
