In brief
Capt. Efrain Hallax, who has piloted through the Panama Canal for over 40 years, shares his experiences and perspectives on the waterway's critical role in global trade.
Hanging from the side of the massive tanker Athina in Panama Bay, veteran ship pilot Capt. Efrain Hallax readies himself for another night of guiding vessels through the valuable Panama Canal, a task he's performed for more than four decades. At 73, Hallax represents a new generation of Panamanian pilots, having been among the first group hired in 1983 to replace American pilots who had operated the canal since its inception in 1914. This night in February finds him at work shortly after a key phone call between U.S. President Trump and Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino was canceled, as tensions rise over the canal's governance. Despite the political climate, Captain Hallax maintains that the operations of the canal – a critical corridor for approximately 3 percent of global maritime trade – are unaffected. "Business as usual," he asserts confidently, demonstrating the unwavering commitment of the canal’s pilots to their roles, irrespective of holidays or weather. As one of the 316 authorized pilots, which includes only six women, Hallax exemplifies dedication to the canal, navigating its challenging locks day in and day out. The Panama Canal continues to serve as a significant artery for international commerce, and Capt. Hallax remains steadfast at the helm, ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.
