The Panama Canal and Overseas Shipments
When you are shipping your household good to Panama or another country overseas with IntlMOVE Panama, they may travel through the Panama Canal. Before the Panama Canal was constructed, it was an extremely long journey for vessels to get around South America. Instead of passing through Panama, ships had to take route via the Strait of Magellan or Cape Horn. When the canal was completed in 1914, international trade became much easier. In fact, nearly 1 million vessels have traveled through the canal. By passing through the canal, rather than the southernmost tip of South America, ships could shorten their journeys by 8,000 miles of more.
The canal is 48 miles long and connects and the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. After failed attempts by other countries and thousands of deaths, the United States completed the canal and maintained control of the canal until 1977. After a period of joint ownership between Panama and the United States, the Panamanian government took complete control of the canal in 1999. The Panama Canal Authority assumed administration.
The journey through the canal takes between eight and ten hours. The largest vessel that can travel through the Panama Canal is called a Panamax. These ships have a dead weight tonnage (DWT) between 65,000 and 80,000 tons. However the actual cargo cannot exceed 52,000 tons.
The fees to pass through the canal vary depending on the type of ship, size of ship and the type of cargo being transported. Fees for container ships are assessed according to the ship’s capacity. Each ships capacity is configured by the amount of twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) the ship can carry. Ships carrying cargo are charged more than ships that are not carrying cargo.
To accommodate increasingly larger ships, the Panama Canal Authority has invested about $1 billion upgrade the canal. In addition to widening the canal, the money was also used to modernize the operations and efficiency. The goal was to increase capacity by 20 percent. New equipment was purchased, tug boat fleets were added and parts of the canal were widened and straightened. This should reduce restrictions placed on large ships and make the canal easier to pass through. The lock lighting system was enhanced, an updated scheduling system was updated and navigational channels and entrances were deepened. Overall, a lot of improvements were made to improve the Panama Canal’s capabilities.
There are future plans to continue making improvements as container ships get bigger and the international shipping needs increase. There are many ships that are already too big to pass through the Panama Canal, so to stay relevant, the Panama Canal will need to grow with the shipping industry’s needs.
Moving to from the USA to Panama will allow you the opportunity to visit the canal. Take a ferry up and down the canal to see the magnificent engineering feat. There are also restaurants and other sightseeing tours available at the Panama Canal. Whether or not your shipment travels through the Panama Canal, IntlMOVE Panama will ensure the safest, time efficient and cost effective measures are taken when shipping your household goods to Panama.
Moving to Panama and the Best Schools in Panama City
When moving to Panama with IntlMOVE Panama, you may be wondering where your children can attend school. Sending your children to an international school will help them acclimate to their new surroundings in Panama. When moving to Panama, your children will have to learn a new language, deal with culture shock and meet a new set a friends. It’s important to ship your children’s personal belongings and household goods to have in their new Panamanian home. They will feel connected to their family, friends and life back in the United States. Choosing an international school will also help your children adjust to their new surroundings in Panama if the classes are taught in English.
Unlike American schools, the school year in Panama typically runs from the spring to December. Instead of beginning the school break in June, students in Panama typically have vacation time from mid-December to March or April. This is something to keep in mind when moving to Panama with children. Consider moving to Panama at a time when children can start a new school year with other children in their grade. There are a few schools that follow the U.S. school year, so research your children’s school ahead of time.
In Panama City, which is the biggest metropolis in Panama, there are three reputable international schools. Balboa Academy, Oxford International School and the International School of Panama are all accredited by the American School Association.
Oxford International School, which should not be confused with Oxford School, has the least expensive tuition of the three accredited schools. It is easily accessible as it is located in downtown Panama City. When children attend this school in Panama, they should already be able to speak Spanish. There is an English and Panamanian curriculum, which can be difficult for children who only speak one of the languages. Students are expected to take 13 subjects in high school, including calculus. It is a very tough school academically, so students should be prepared to work hard.
The Balboa Academy provides education similar to American schools. Children with learning disabilities can attend Balboa Academy with confidence. Special provisions are made for kids with learning problems. This school also offers advanced placement (AP) classes for students who want to get a head start on their college education.
The most expensive, but also the school with the best academics, is the International School of Panama. The school is located outside of the hustle and bustle of Panama City, but your children will have no problem getting to and from the school with the beltway. The school year at the International School of Panama begins in mid-August, but basically keeps the same timeline as American schools. This school also offers AP classes.
There are other options for children in Panama City if the three accredited schools are too expensive or do not meet the needs of your family. The Episcopal School in El Carmen is an inexpensive bilingual school, which is considered one of the best academic schools. Unless your children are in Kindergarten, they must speak Spanish fluently. It is a traditional school for college bound kids, so this school can be very difficult for some students. Saint Mary’s School in Albrook is an inexpensive Catholic school, although children with other religious beliefs are welcome. Crossroads Christian Academy in Cardenas is open to children of the Christian faith. A Jewish primary school, Colegio Isaac Rabin, is located in Clayton.
When moving to Panama with your family, contact IntlMOVE Panama for the best quote for shipping your household goods from the U.S. to Panama.
