The Panama Canal Repurchase Act, introduced by Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) in Congress, has brought renewed attention to the Panama Canal’s status. The proposed legislation, supported by President-elect Donald Trump and several Republican representatives, seeks to authorize the purchase of the Canal, citing national and economic security concerns.

Such proposals are legally impossible and operationally unnecessary. Examining the reality of this vital artery of global trade makes this very clear.

The canal primarily serves U.S. maritime traffic, with 74.7 percent of vessels either originating from or heading to ports in the U.S. Other major users include Japan, China, South Korea, Chile, the European Union, Mexico, Colombia and Peru.

The Canal handles diverse vessel types, including container ships, bulk carriers, liquefied natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas carriers, vehicle carriers, tankers, refrigerated cargo vessels and cruise ships. This global traffic of more than 10,000 ships annually demonstrates the Canal’s critical role in international maritime trade, saving vessels from having to make an 8,000-mile detour around South America.

But the Canal represents much more than a strategic maritime route. To visualize its importance, imagine the Cocoli Locks, where enormous container ships wait........

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