The Panama Canal Authority is exploring the potential to add a liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure at the canal to take advantage of the anticipated LNG tanker traffic once the canal’s expansion project is completed next year. The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has issued a grant to support the study of the benefits of LNG infrastructure at the canal USTDA said last week. “As we near the completion of the Panama Canal Expansion, we are eager to explore new segments such as LNG, which are now possible given our enhanced capacity to accommodate longer and wider ships. This grant by the USTDA will build on plans and projects related to LNG that are already ongoing and will present us with the ability to evaluate additional market opportunities and client services for the benefit of the U.S.-Panama energy trade,” said Canal Administrator Jorge Quijano. The USTDA-funded feasibility study will help the ACP set priorities and plan projects related to LNG infrastructure and natural gas utilization at the Panama Canal. The LNG terminal is anticipated to support the implementation of maritime- and energy-related projects that will accommodate increased shipping traffic through the expanded canal (see Daily GPI, Jan. 9).