The newly-expanded Panama Canal is almost ready for its debut, which has left some officials in the Lone Star State wondering whether or not Texas ports are ready for larger ships that could be traveling through the canal.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is one of the Texas lawmakers pushing for a renewed look at the canal’s expansion and what it could mean for the state, according to the Texas Tribune.
The Panama Canal is vital to the shipping industry. It allows ships to travel between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans without having to go around South America.
In 2006, Panama’s residents voted to modernize the canal so larger ships could fit through. When the canal opens next year, ships the size of four football fields will be able to take advantage of the route. The canal expansion also means more ships can travel between the oceans.
Additional traffic through the canal could be good news for Texas. It would mean more ships and cargo flowing into Texas ports and onto Texas highways and railways.
But some officials worry if Texas’ ports are big enough to handle the larger ships traveling through the canal and up to the United States.
If Texas ports aren’t large enough, ships could likely circumvent the Lone Star State and instead head to other ports along the U.S. coastline to unload their cargo.
Because of these concerns, Patrick and House Speaker Joe Straus are considering the creation of an interim legislative committee on Texas ports to study the issue.
The canal is scheduled to open within the next year.