Is the Panama Canal the Wildest Auction House?

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 Ever heard of a shipping lane so vital that companies will drop $4 million just to skip the line? In this episode of Perspectives, Shane Burkett breaks down why the 50-mile Panama Canal has become one of the most fascinating — and expensive — shortcuts in modern trade. 

 Discover how this man-made wonder, once a U.S.-controlled public utility, now operates like a mix of a luxury restaurant, an auction house, and a climate battleground — all while moving 5% of the world’s maritime cargo and generating nearly 4% of Panama’s GDP. 

 We unpack the hidden economics: Why it sometimes makes sense for ships to pay millions to cut the line. How a single ship burns $200,000 daily. And why 50 million gallons of fresh water are flushed with each transit — water that half of Panama’s people rely on for drinking. 

 Plus: the real stakes behind recent droughts, BlackRock’s controversial bid for two canal ports, and why these tensions between the U.S., China, and Panama are just getting started. 

 From the Culebra Cut’s one-way traffic jams to the pilots who train 14 years to navigate these giant vessels — this is a global trade story you don’t want to miss.  

#PanamaCanal #GlobalTrade #ClimateCrisis #Geopolitics #SupplyChain #PerspectivesPodcast #BusinessNews #Infrastructure #WorldEconomy #Podcast 

Perspective: Faith, Science, Politics, and Life is a thought-provoking podcast that explores the forces shaping our world. Hosted by Shane Burkett, this show dives into the intersections of religion, scientific discovery, political shifts, and everyday life, featuring deep conversations with experts, thought leaders, and changemakers. No topic is off-limits—expect bold discussions, critical thinking, and new insights that challenge the way you see the world. Join the c

Perspective: Faith, Science, Politics, and Life is a thought-provoking podcast that explores the forces shaping our world. Hosted by Shane Burkett, this show dives into the intersections of religion, scientific discovery, political shifts, and everyday life, featuring deep conversations with experts, thought leaders, and changemakers. No topic is off-limits—expect bold discussions, critical thinking, and new insights that challenge the way you see the world. Join the c

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