Ilya Espino de Marotta took office on September 7 as the first woman to lead the Panama Canal Authority. She succeeds Ricaurte Vásquez Morales and will serve as administrator for the 2026–2033 term.

Espino de Marotta has worked at the canal for more than 40 years and previously served as deputy administrator and chief sustainability officer. A marine engineer, she also held a senior role in the Panama Canal Expansion Program, which introduced the Neopanamax locks in 2016.

One of her main priorities will be the planned Río Indio reservoir, which is intended to strengthen the long-term water supply for canal operations and nearby communities. The Panama Canal Authority said engineering and design work is progressing ahead of a planned tender in 2027, while environmental studies and resettlement arrangements remain underway.

The new administration will also oversee projects aimed at expanding Panama’s logistics capacity, including proposed port terminals, an energy pipeline and a logistics corridor. These plans are intended to support the canal’s competitiveness and reduce its dependence on vessel-transit revenue while maintaining reliable service during periods of limited rainfall.