Espino de Marotta took office on Monday as administrator of the interoceanic waterway for the 2026–2033 term. President Jose Raul Mulino attended the swearing-in ceremony in Panama City.

The 64-year-old takes the top job after more than four decades working at the Canal, where she began her career in 1985.

"I came here because over 41 years I worked and prepared myself for this responsibility. I say this also with Panamanian women in mind, who are half of this country's population ," Espino de Marotta said in her address.

She defended the management model Panama established after the United States transferred control of the waterway to the country on December 31, 1999.

"The canal's results are not the product of chance, but the consequence of how Panamanians decided 30 years ago on the operation of our principal enterprise through its constitutional charter," she stated.

Espino de Marotta described the model as a "national asset" that must be protected. She said it had helped ensure the safe passage of more than 300,000 vessels and provide water to a population that has grown more than eightfold in the country's five most populous districts.

She also said the Canal had welcomed more than 10 million tourists and contributed more than $31 billion to Panama's National Treasury. According to Espino de Marotta, that is 17 times more than Panama received from the United States during its 85 years of administration.

Her administration will focus on several challenges, including reducing the Canal's carbon footprint, advancing digital transformation and introducing best practices across its service model.

"We have decided that Lake Rio Indio is at this moment the most important project our country has, and that is why we are developing it through dialogue," she added.

Espino de Marotta began working at the Canal as an engineer in the shipyard of the then Industrial Division while the waterway was still under US administration.

She later held several senior positions, including Vice President for Transit Business . In 2020, she became the first woman to serve as deputy administrator of the Canal. She will now lead the waterway for the next seven years.

According to Marine Insight , here are eight of the most significant canals that have shaped international navigation:

Grand Canal

As the world's longest and oldest canal, China 's Grand Canal stretches over 1,770 kilometres, connecting Beijing north to Hangzhou south. Dating back to the 5th century BC, it has been instrumental in facilitating internal trade and cultural exchange within China, linking major rivers such as the Yellow River and the Yangtze River.

Suez Canal

Located in Egypt, the Suez Canal connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, offering a direct maritime route between Europe and Asia. Spanning approximately 193 kilometres eliminates the need for vessels to navigate around Africa's Cape of Good Hope, significantly reducing travel time. Since its opening in 1869, the canal has undergone expansions to accommodate larger vessels and increased traffic. ​

Panama Canal

This 82-kilometre canal traverses the Isthmus of Panama, linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Inaugurated in 1914, the Panama Canal revolutionized maritime trade by providing a shortcut that bypasses the lengthy and perilous route around South America's southern tip. Its system of locks raises and lowers ships across the continental divide, facilitating the passage of approximately 14,000 vessels annually. ​

Kiel Canal

Situated in Germany, the Kiel Canal connects the North Sea to the Baltic Sea. Extending about 98 kilometres, it is one of the world's busiest artificial waterways, enabling vessels to avoid the longer journey around the Jutland Peninsula. The canal plays a crucial role in European maritime trade by facilitating the swift movement of goods between the two seas.​

The Volga–Don Canal, Russia

Completed in 1952 during the Soviet era, this key waterway links the Volga and Don rivers, forming a critical part of the Europe-Asia transport network. Its 13 locks allow for smooth passage through elevation changes.