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The Panama Canal set a volume record at 333.7 million Panama Canal (PC) tons in fiscal-year 2012, which ended Sept. 30. The volume bested the previous high-water mark of 312.9 million PC tons achieved in FY2007 and increased 3.6 percent compared with FY2011's 322.1 million PC tons.

"This milestone attests to the reliable and continuous service offered by the canal, which is supported by a workforce of 10,000 men and women," said Panama Canal Authority Administrator and Chief Executive Officer Jorge Luis Quijano in a prepared statement, adding that the canal offers new products and services in response to evolving shipping and maritime needs.

The top market segments in FY2012 were full container vessels (totaling 119.8 million PC tons), followed by dry bulk carriers (83.4 million PC tons) and tankers (51.6 million PC tons).

Volume totals in prior fiscal years include 300.8 million PC tons in FY2010, 299.1 million PC tons in FY2009 and 309.6 million PC tons in FY2008.