First US LNG cargo to transit Panama Canal

The waterway shaves distances between export plants dotted along the US Gulf of Mexico and Asia to 9000 miles from 16,000, allowing US producers to better compete in one of the world's biggest gas consuming markets.

The size of most LNG tankers had previously prevented them from squeezing through, forcing them to sail around South America instead.

The Shell-owned tanker Maran Gas Apollonia loaded up at Cheniere Energy's Sabine Pass LNG export plant in Louisiana and will arrive at the Panama Canal on 25 July, according to Kpler LNG, a shipping analysis firm.

Shipping