In brief
At 73, Hallax continues to steer vital maritime trade through the Panama Canal, marking a sensational journey through political changes and international waters.
Captain Efrain Hallax, a legendary figure in the maritime world, has been piloting vessels through the Panama Canal since 1983, helping to transition from American to Panamanian pilots after the canal's opening in 1914. Now at 73, Hallax’s experience spans the fall of dictators and evolving international relations, even during politically tense times, like recent negotiations involving U.S. President Donald Trump.One quiet night in February, he began his shift just past midnight, ready to navigate huge ships, including the Athina, through the canal. Despite ongoing political dialogues about the canal’s control, Hallax assures that operations continue smoothly. “Always business as usual in the Panama Canal,” he says. With 3% of global maritime trade passing through its locks, the canal is an integral part of world commerce.As one of the 316 authorized pilots, including only six women, Capt. Hallax embodies the spirit of the canal—resilient and committed, undistracted by external pressures. His journey not only emphasizes the engineering marvel of the canal but also showcases a storied heritage of maritime piloting in Panama.
