On May 7, 2025, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) will conduct a fire control drill aboard the vessel Colón Trader, docked at the Pacific anchorage in the Bay of Panama, according to ACP’s release.
The simulation will be led by the Canal’s Fire Section
The exercise is scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. local time. The simulation will be led by the Canal’s Fire Section, with support from units of the Panama Fire Department.The objective is to test the emergency response capabilities and internal protocols of the Canal’s units, ensuring that all procedures are executed efficiently and in coordination. .
Part of the Panama Canal’s contingency plans
The Canal’s Division of Protection and Emergency Response has notified security and emergency agencies from other state institutions about the exercise. This drill is part of the Panama Canal’s contingency plans aimed at safeguarding its workforce and protecting both land-based and maritime infrastructure along the interoceanic route.
Panama Canal Authority (ACP)
Panama Canal Authority (ACP) is the autonomous entity responsible for the operation, administration, and maintenance of the Panama Canal. Since assuming control of the Canal from the United States in 1999, the ACP has overseen its expansion and modernization, ensuring its continued role as a vital conduit for global maritime trade.
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The current position of COLON TRADER is at North America West Coast reported 15 min ago by AIS. The vessel is en route to the port of Balboa, Panama, sailing at a speed of 0.1 knots . The vessel COLON TRADER (IMO 9661376, MMSI 352002782) is a Oil Products Tanker built in 2013 (12 years old) and currently sailing under the flag of Panama.
A joint declaration on security matters
It is noteworthy that The Panama Canal announces that a joint declaration on security matters has been signed between the Minister for Canal Affairs of Panama and the United States Secretary of Defense. The declaration reaffirms respect for, and the recognition of, Panamanian sovereignty over the interoceanic waterway, as well as compliance with the Neutrality Treaty and the legal framework governing its operation, comprised of the corresponding constitutional title, the said Treaty, and the Organic Law of the Canal
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The declaration
The declaration also states that efforts will be made develop a mechanism which will allow compensation for services provided to warships and auxiliary vessels, seeking a cost-neutral basis. This mechanism will be evaluated jointly with the Ministry of Security of Panama.
Within the framework of this declaration, the existing cooperation with the United States Department of Defense is highlighted in areas such as engineering, security, and cybersecurity, which will also be part of the analysis to define the compensation. The declaration constitutes a first step in establishing this model, which will be developed in later stages.
