Record 4 LNG tankers pass thru PC

Four liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers made their ways through the Panama Canal’s Neopanamax Locks in a single day (Oct. 1) marking a new milestone for the canal and its capacity to handle a growing demand from the U.S. Gulf Coast, where several new LNG export terminals are scheduled to begin operating in Louisiana. The vessels Ribera del Duero Knutsen, Maran Gas Pericles transited northbound, while Torben Spirit and Oceanic Breeze transited southward, facilitating international trade between customers in South Korea, Japan, Chile, and the U.S. Gulf Coast. The milestone bests the Panama Canal’s previous record set April 17 when three LNG vessels transited the waterway on the same day. (Source: Maritime Logistics Professional 10/02/18)