In brief
Captain Efrain Hallax, a veteran pilot of the Panama Canal for more than 40 years, continues to navigate the vital trade corridor amid ongoing U.S. interest in controlling the waterway again. His journey showcases the intersection of maritime operations and political shifts surrounding the canal.
As dawn approached over Panama Bay, Captain Efrain Hallax, now 73, was preparing for yet another midnight shift guiding vessels through the Panama Canal. A storied pilot, Hallax was one of the first Panamanians recruited in 1983 to take over from American pilots, ushering in a new era for this pivotal trade conduit that links the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. On this particular night in February, Hallax was aware of the political tension simmering just beyond his maritime duties; earlier that evening, President Trump had canceled a scheduled call with Panama's President José Raúl Mulino regarding the canal’s future, a topic laden with historical significance and national pride. Despite these external pressures, Hallax was unfazed, stating, "Always business as usual in the Panama Canal, no matter Christmas, no matter rain, no matter fog, no matter nothing, no matter Trump."With around 3 percent of global maritime trade depending on the canal's locks, the operation continues uninterrupted. Hallax is among 316 pilots, including just six women, licensed by the Panama Canal Authority to manage this crucial waterway, signifying the canal's importance beyond mere transit—it is a symbol of independence and national legacy. Throughout his impressive tenure, Hallax has witnessed vast changes, including the fall of dictatorships and shifts in U.S. policy towards Panama. His unyielding commitment to opening and navigating these vital waters reflects not only his personal journey but the larger narrative of the canal itself—one that remains an indelible part of global trade despite the ever-shifting tides of politics.
