The Panama Canal Administration has informed through a press release that the number of vessel crossings has increased. This decision follows a historic reduction in traffic due to low water levels in the Gatun and Alajuela reservoirs, caused by a prolonged dry season and the consequences of the “El Niño” weather phenomenon.
Rainfall and the Panama Canal
Although the first rains have arrived in the country, water levels are still not optimal and a water deficit persists, water levels are still not optimal and a water deficit persists. . This deficit led in 2023 to restrict both the number of crossings and the draft of vessels, according to the study by local experts.
The main function of the Panama Canal watershed is to provide drinking water to 58% of the country’s 4.4 million inhabitants. In addition, with the measures adopted and notified to the shipping lines, as of June 1, 32 vessels per day will be able to transit the Canal.
On the other hand, it was informed that as of June 15, the maximum draft allowed for the crossing of larger vessels will be 13.71 meters(45 feet), instead of the current 13.41 meters(44 feet). This may generate a sense of “progressive normalcy” about the current situation.
The average number of ships in transit
Local media reports indicate that the current water crisis limits the average number of vessels transiting daily through the Panamanian Canal. This average has been as high as 39 vessels, when water levels are optimal.
The Canal’s Vice President of Operations, Boris Moreno, explained the following: “At the peak in 2023, the number of daily vessel transits dropped to 22, resulting in a backlog of up to 160 vessels waiting to cross.“Major users of the Panama Canal include the United States, China, Japan, South Korea and Chile.
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Source and photo: Panama Canal
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