The impact of the New Panama Canal Locks on Texas ports and the Texas economy.

1648428PDFTech ReportFHWA/TX-17/5-6690-01-15-6690-01-15-6690-01Economic impactsInternational tradeLocks (Waterways)SeaportsSupply chain managementEnergyExportsPlanningTexas portsTexas exportsTxDOT planningtransshipmentsUnited StatesTexasUniversity of Texas at Austin. Center for Transportation ResearchHarrison, RobertBoske, Leigh B.University of Texas at Austin. Center for Transportation ResearchTexas. Dept. of Transportation. Research and Technology Implementation OfficeUnited States. Federal Highway AdministrationUS Transportation CollectionThis report examines the first year transits through the new Panama Canal locks and its impact on Texas deep water ports. It finds that the canal is operating efficiently and can accommodate 14,000 TEU containerships and bulk vessels up to 125,000 tons. This strengthens the position of Texas ports, both in terms of import and export supply chains. Current Panama Canal services include Asia to U.S. Atlantic and Gulf ports (containers) and Gulf to Asia ports (oils, liquefied natural gas, compressed natural gas). More services are expected in 2018 as both the bulk and container maritime sectors benefit from an increase in global trade. TxDOT should expect project requests related to landside access bottlenecks and its planners should evaluate opportunities to promote improvements to export supply chains. The report also includes links to six Policy Briefs undertaken by a class at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin addressing key elements of global supply chains and Texas infrastructure