In the first nine months of the year, 2.8 million barrels of marine fuel were sold, 38% more than was sold in the same period in 2016.
According to figures from the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP), the sale of marine fuel during the first three quarters of 2017 increased by 38% in year-on-year terms, rising from 2 million barrels between January and September 2016 to 2.8 million barrels in the same period in 2017.
In the first half of the year 2.4 million metric tons of marine fuel were shipped into the country's port terminals, 24% more than in the same period in 2016.
The start of operations of the expanded Canal is the main reason behind the increase of almost 24% in the sale of marine fuel to boats in Panamanian ports, according to representatives from the sector. Figures from the Panama Maritime Authority report that between January and June, 2.4 million metric tons of marine fuel were traded, 461 thousand tons more than in the first half of last year.
Total fuel storage capacity in the country is 29.8 million barrels, with Petroterminal de Panama´s tank representing 50% of the figure.
Panama has a storage capacity of 29.8 million barrels of oil, according to the latest report from the country's National Energy Secretariat.
The Fuel Free Zone (ZLC by its initials in Spanish) Petroterminal de Panama occupies almost half of the total capacity, through its two tank estates: Charco Azul in Chiriqui, which has a capacity of 7.5 million barrels, and Chiriqui Grande in Bocas del Toro, with a capacity of 7 million barrels. Both store oil and oil derivatives.
Construction has been announced of 9 additional storage tanks and a pier with two berths to supply 2.5 million barrels.
From a statement issued by the National Secretariat of Energy in Panama:
The sale of marine fuel or bunkering, an activity that generates about $900 million a year to the country's economy, will grow with the expanding operations of the Free Zone for Fuels, located in Bahía Las Minas, Colon Province.
The rise in prices and fuel supply problems in markets like Colombia explain the 10% increase in sales of bunker fuel in the first half of the year.
After experiencing a slight decrease in the rate of business growth, companies engaged in the storage and sale of marine or bunker fuel say they feel there is an improvement in the activity. In previous years, vessels transiting the Canal were buying fuel in Colombia and other Caribbean countries.
As a hub of maritime services Singapore is winning the race against Panama, which in the past sold 60 million tons of bunker fuel but now only sells 20 million.
This represents a 40% decline in the 'bunkering' market in Panama, due to several factors, including lack of competitiveness in fuel prices not being oil producer.
The president of the Maritime Chamber of Panama, Juan Carlos Croston, told Panamaamerica.com.pa that "a few decades ago ... Panama was the world's leading supplier of bunker fuel, but today Singapore, thanks to the introduction of policies which promoted competitiveness, accounts for almost 40% of the market. "
The executive power has authorized the extension of a contract for the operation and administration of the Free Zone for Fuel in Chiriqui granted to the company Petroterminal of Panama.
From a report issued by the President's Office in Panama:
The Cabinet Council approved a resolution that authorizes the Minister of the Presidency, to grant the extension to Contract No.
Telfer Tanks has been granted a concession for the operation and management of a storage terminal and pumping stations in the province of Colon.
From a statement issued by the presidency of Colombia:
"The Cabinet Council authorized the Minister of the Presidency to conclude the Contract for Administration and Operation of a fuel free zone with the company TELFER TANKS, INC., whose investment exceeds 52 million dollars.