Panama Canal: reduction of daily transits from 34 to 32 due to low rainfall

From tomorrow, daily transits in the Panama Canal will drop from 34 to 32 due to lower-than-expected rainfall during the wet season. The Canal Authority has provided nine passages for Neopanamax vessels and 23 for Panamax vessels. The draft limit has already been reduced to 14.63 meters and a further restriction to 14.48 metres, postponed until October 1st, could force ships to reduce loads.

The problem is linked to the availability of water from Lake Gatún, fed by rainfall and also used to supply a significant part of the Panamanian population with drinking water. The situation risks weighing on Central American exporters, particularly those from Guatemala, with possible increases in transport times and costs to South America. According to trade associations, mainly flows of sugar, rubber, insecticides and chemicals are exposed. The Canal handles approximately 6% of global maritime trade.