During Q2, PC/UMS tonnage increased 3.9% -- to 70.9 million PC/UMS tons from 68.2 million PC/UMS tons. There was also an increase in transits of Panamax vessels. Transits of these larger vessels increased 6.6 percent -- to 1,396 transits from 1,310 transits, while the number of overall transits decreased in Q2 by 2.9% -- to 3,730 from 3,842.
"Our business continues to grow significantly. More tonnage is transiting the waterway than ever because of a surge in transits by Panamax-sized ships. Our ability to attract and accommodate this traffic is a testament to our world-class workforce, who ensures safe, reliable and uninterrupted transits for our customers," said ACP Maritime Operations Director Jorge Quijano.
The percent of booked transits to total transits increased 5.9% -- to 48.3% from 45.5%. Booked transits are those reserved by vessels to transit on a specific date. Use of the booking system increased 2.9% -- to 94.9% from 92.3%. In March, a new record for the most booked transits was achieved -- to 640 transits from the previous record of 599, set in January 2005.
Overall CWT remained reasonable during Q2, compared to last year, with a slight increase of 5.8% -- to 25.98 hours from 24.56 hours. CWT for booked transits did not materially change; it increased just 1.7% -- to 16.31 hours from 16.03 hours.
The official accident rate remained steady, with a minimal increase of three percent -- to 1.07 accidents per 1,000 transits from 1.04 accidents per 1,000 transits in Q2 FY2004. An official accident is one in which a formal investigation is requested and conducted.
*All statistics are made in comparison to the same period (Q2) of the ACP's 2004 fiscal year.