In light of the dry season's ongoing impacts, and in order to fulfill its responsibility to provide reliable and sustainable services, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has informed its customers that as long as weather conditions do not differ significantly from current forecasts, the Panama Canal will remain within the 44-foot or 13.41-meter draft limit for the coming months, with immediate effect.

At the same time, as a necessary measure to avoid additional draft restrictions, from July 30, 2023, an average of only 32 ships will be allowed to cross the canal every day until further notice. It is usually allocated in the following way: 10 ships pass through the new Panama locks and 22 ships pass through the Panama locks.

the current average daily transit through the Panama Canal is 35-36 ships, the Panama Canal will allow 28-32 ships to pass through the Panama locks every day. New Panama Lock's daily assignment of vessels crossing the river until July 30 cannot be guaranteed.

The Panama Canal Authority strongly recommends that shipowners use the Canal Authority's reservation system and apply for reservations to minimize large delays.

As part of a global phenomenon, in the past six months the canal has experienced a long dry season, evaporation is high, and this year there is a good chance of an El Niño.

the Panama Canal Authority has been implementing procedures to improve water efficiency in its operations while conducting research to identify long-term solutions to climate change. However, the current level of severity is unprecedented in history. The Panama Canal Authority remains committed to ensuring safe and reliable operations in the short term and providing the best possible service in the coming years. "

Source: Shipping Industry