The Panama Canal has announced a new tonnage record of 333.7 million Panama Canal tons (PC/UMS) during fiscal year 2012 which ended Sept. 30.

“This milestone attests to the reliable and continuous service offered by the Canal, which is supported by a workforce of 10,000 men and women. The Panama Canal works tirelessly to provide its customers with first-rate service, including new products and services in response to their evolving shipping and maritime needs,” said Panama Canal Authority administrator/CEO Jorge Luis Quijano.

Preliminary figures showed that the Panama Canal closed fiscal year 2012 with 333.7 million Panama Canal tons (PC/UMS). This figure represents an increase of 11.6 million Panama Canal tons or 3.6% compared to the 322.1 million tons registered last year, and also surpasses the previous 2007 record of 312.9 million tons. (Under PC/UMS, a mathematical formula is applied to the vessel´s total volume or cargo carrying capacity).

During fiscal year 2012, Canal Waters Time (transits) averaged 25.66 hours. The top market segments during this fiscal year were full container vessels with 119.8 million Panama Canal tons, followed by dry bulk carriers (83.4 million Panama Canal tons) and tankers (51.6 million Panama Canal tons).

The Panama Canal´s fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30.