Panama Canal to reduce ship traffic due to drought

The Panama Canal Authority announced it will reduce the number of daily ship transits due to severe drought conditions linked to the El Niño weather phenomenon. This measure is expected to impact global shipping, as the canal is a critical artery for international trade.

Beginning September 3, the number of ships allowed to pass through the canal daily will be lowered from 36 to 34. This will be further reduced to a maximum of 32 ships per day starting September 15. The authority cited significantly below-average rainfall in the canal's watershed between May and August, which has led to critically low water levels in the Gatun and Alajuela lakes, the primary water sources for the canal.

To conserve water, the authority has already implemented several water-saving measures and imposed restrictions on the maximum draft for the largest container ships. These actions underscore the severity of the drought's impact on the canal's operations. The Panama Canal facilitates passage for approximately 5% of the world's maritime trade, with the United States and China being its largest users.

This is not the first time the canal has faced operational challenges due to water levels. In 2023, low water levels forced a reduction in daily transits from 38 to 22 ships. The canal's strategic importance lies in its ability to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, allowing vessels to bypass the lengthy and hazardous route around the southern tip of South America, making it indispensable for international maritime traffic.