The expansion of the Panama Canal is a game-changer for the global logistics industry, with far-reaching impacts on inland and maritime navigation facilities worldwide.
As one of the primary users of the Canal, the US stands to benefit the most from the expansion program. However, achieving these benefits requires a major re-think of how the US inland and maritime navigation infrastructure assets are managed.
The current model of under-investment and “fix-as-fail” will not allow the US to maximize the benefits of the Canal expansion to maintain its competitive position globally.
This paper will provide historical context on the state of US ports and inland waterways infrastructure, the opportunities and challenges presented by the Canal expansion, and the benefits and consequences of needed investment in these vital assets.