Case Study: Panama Canal Authority optimizes shipping and water quality with Aquarius from Aquatic Informatics

Panama Canal Authority optimizes shipping and water quality with Aquatic Informatics

The Panama Canal Authority (PCA) faced the challenge of managing the critical water levels of the Gatun and Alajuela Lakes, which are essential for operating the canal's lock system and supplying drinking water to local communities. To optimize shipping and protect the water supply, PCA needed to effectively collect and leverage vast amounts of hydrological data for forecasting and modeling. They implemented Aquarius software from vendor Aquatic Informatics to address this.

Aquatic Informatics' Aquarius platform provided a centralized solution to automate workflows, acquire data from 55 scientific stations, and ensure its quality. The results included improved hydrological forecasting accuracy and efficient data accessibility for stakeholders via a customizable web portal. This enabled PCA to implement variable transit charges based on water levels, optimizing global shipping traffic and water usage. The solution ensured the reliable operation of a vital global trade route while securing the local water supply for millions of residents.

Panama Canal Authority (pca)