Panama Strengthens Its Role as a Digital Hub Through Submarine Cable Oversight
The Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) is playing a strategic role in strengthening the country’s position as one of Latin America’s leading digital connectivity hubs, as global investment in digital infrastructure continues to accelerate.
According to industry research firm TeleGeography, worldwide investment in new submarine cable systems is expected to exceed US$16 billion between 2026 and 2029, driven by growing demand for cloud services, artificial intelligence, data centres and the continuous expansion of global data traffic.
Safeguarding critical infrastructure
In this context, the AMP is responsible for technically assessing proposed routes for new submarine cables, ensuring their compatibility with other maritime activities, supervising cable-laying operations, updating nautical charts and coordinating measures to protect this critical telecommunications infrastructure.
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Although administrative concessions for submarine cable installations are granted by Panama’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Maritime Authority plays a key role in ensuring that these projects comply with navigation safety standards and the protection of the country’s maritime domain.
At present, seven submarine cable systems pass through Panamanian waters, reinforcing the country’s position as a strategic regional connectivity hub. According to ProPanamá, this infrastructure supports 100% of regional internet traffic, 97% of international telephone traffic and 90% of regional data transmission, enhancing Panama’s attractiveness for data centre investments and technology companies.
Expanding digital connectivity
Panama’s submarine cable network continues to grow. In early 2026, the TAM-1 cable system landed in the country. The approximately 7,000-kilometre cable has a capacity of up to 650 terabits per second (Tbps) and connects Panama with the United States, Central America and the Caribbean.
In addition, Panama will serve as a landing point for the future MANTA cable system, which will connect the country with the United States, Mexico and Colombia, further strengthening its role as a digital bridge across the Americas.
Protecting the submarine network
Safeguarding this infrastructure remains a major priority for the AMP. Between 2008 and 2019, incidents in Panamanian waters caused losses exceeding US$11 million, mainly due to damage caused by vessels anchoring on submarine cables.
To minimise these risks, the Authority maintains technical assessment procedures, inter-agency coordination mechanisms and protection measures covering the routes where this critical infrastructure is located.
As global demand for data transmission capacity continues to increase, the work carried out by the Panama Maritime Authority is becoming even more significant. Through the regulation, supervision and protection of submarine cable systems, the Authority contributes to maritime safety while reinforcing Panama’s position as one of the region’s leading digital interconnection hubs.
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