Optimization of the Panama Canal lock system with artificial intelligence
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59722/synergia.v1i1.1032Keywords:
Panama Canal, operational efficiency, maritime management, artificial intelligence, lock optimizationAbstract
This article addresses congestion at the Panama Canal locks, the associated waiting times, and the need to optimize water and energy use amid increasing operational constraints. Through a review of the literature and similar cases in lock and port operations, the article analyzes how artificial intelligence can improve transit scheduling and resource allocation within the Canal’s logistics chain. Promising techniques are identified, primarily meta-heuristics (genetic algorithms and ant colony optimization) combined with predictive models (recurrent and convolutional architectures) to anticipate arrivals and resource demand and dynamically reschedule in response to disruptions. As a practical contribution, a phased implementation roadmap based on “simulation first” is proposed, featuring controlled pilots, progressive expansion, and institutional integration, along with performance metrics and data requirements focused on traceability and governance. The results reported in the reviewed evidence suggest potential improvements in wait times and resource utilization, contingent upon data quality, integration with legacy systems, training, and management change.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Gabriel Montufar Chiriboga
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