PSA Panama 🏗️ container terminal will increase its yard capacity by approximately 15% before year-end, as part of a multi-year investment program averaging nearly US$30 million annually over the past three years. The move is designed to optimize existing infrastructure and enhance operational efficiency rather than immediately pursue a large-scale expansion.
General Manager Enrique Piqueras stated that the terminal’s priority is to extract greater performance from current assets. Since commencing operations 15 years ago with capacity for 500,000 TEUs, the facility has expanded to 2 million TEUs. Planned improvements include additional space for empty containers and a reconfiguration of operational areas to raise both capacity and technological standards.
Potential Future Expansion Depending on Market Demand
A potential future expansion—estimated at more than US$300 million—will depend on market demand and national port planning considerations. Piqueras emphasized that Panama’s competitive challenge lies primarily with external ports rather than domestic operators, underscoring the importance of streamlined procedures and efficient logistics chains to safeguard the country’s position as a regional hub.
New Container Scanner & Unitec Cargo Inspection Zone
During a recent visit to Panama, PSA Americas Regional CEO Enno Koll noted that the company has invested over US$700 million locally. The visit marked the inauguration of a new container scanner and the Unitec cargo inspection zone at the terminal in CocolĂ, on the Pacific side of the Canal, strenghtening port security to very high-levels.
About PSA Panama
PSA Panama, part of PSA International headquartered in Singapore 🇸🇬, is the 4th largest port on the Panama Canal in terms of container movements. In 2025, the terminal at the Pacific entrance of the Canal handled more than 1.35 million TEUs, a slight 2.1% decline from 1.38 million TEUs in 2024. 2024 was a record year for the terminal with 30% growth.
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