About CanalAgent

Why we built it

Every canal transit runs through a local agent. They book the slot, file the documents, arrange pilots and tugs, settle dues and represent the vessel to the authority around the clock. Yet finding and comparing agents still mostly happens through word of mouth and old contact lists. CanalAgent brings the agencies at each waterway onto one page, alongside clear, sourced guides to what a transit requires.

Who runs CanalAgent

CanalAgent is founded and run by Shoghi Enayati, who grew up around Panama's maritime industry. The idea came from watching how much of a transit depends on the agent — and how hard it still is for an operator to compare them.

Our founding partner — a disclosure

The founder's family runs Adimar Shipping, a Panama Canal agency. Adimar is CanalAgent's founding partner: it was the first agency listed, it is listed free of charge, and it appears first on the Panama Canal page. It is marked Founding partner, not as a paid placement.

Beyond that, Adimar gets no special treatment. It has no say over other listings, guide content, or how enquiries for other agencies are handled, and enquiries sent to other agencies are never shared with it.

How the directory works

• Verified listings are paid listings from agencies that have confirmed their details with us. They show services, contact details and a direct enquiry button.
• Unclaimed listings are compiled from public sources such as agency websites and industry directories. They show only basic public information. When an operator requests an introduction to an unclaimed agency, we forward it to the agency free of charge.
• Claiming is free. Any agency can confirm its listing to correct it, or ask us to remove it.
• Paid placements (Premium and Featured) appear first on a waterway page and are always labelled. Within each tier, agencies are listed alphabetically.

Editorial standards

Our transit guides are written from primary sources: canal authority notices to shipping, IMO and MARPOL documents, and official tariffs. We cite those sources on each guide and review facts regularly. The last full review was in October 2026. Advertisers have no say over guide content.

Requirements change, sometimes at short notice. Draft limits at Panama, for example, move with Gatun Lake levels. Our guides are information, not legal or operational advice, so always confirm current requirements with your agent or the authority.

What we don't do

CanalAgent is not a shipping agency. We don't broker transits, handle funds or take commissions. Operators contract directly with the agent they choose.

Corrections and removals

If something on CanalAgent is wrong, or you'd like an agency listing updated or removed, contact us and we'll act promptly.