Panama Canal Authority takes measures to ease transit restrictions amid water shortages

The Panama Canal Authority is implementing additional measures to ease transit restrictions due to water shortages caused by drought. Starting this month, they will increase daily transit spots by 12%, following a delay in planned reductions.

Two extra slots will be available for transit dates starting March 18, with an additional slot for dates beginning March 25. These measures aim to improve reservation chances for most vessels.

Since the restrictions began, the authority has encouraged shippers to use the reservation system, resulting in a significant drop in wait times as vessels adapt and utilize reservations.

Current data shows a decrease in the queue for transit, with just 46 vessels compared to over 100 previously. Moreover, wait times have reduced to under one day for northbound vessels and five days for southbound ones.

Under the latest plan, daily transits through the historical locks will increase to 20, while larger Neopanamax locks will remain reduced. Total transits by late March will reach 27 per day, nearly half of peak levels.

The Panama Canal Authority initiated restrictions due to record low rainfall levels, starting with draft restrictions over a year ago. Despite efforts, some containerships resort to transshipping loads across Panama by rail.

The authority continues to monitor water levels and implement conservation measures such as "double locking" and water recycling. However, they anticipate the restrictions to persist for months, with hopes for increased water levels during the rainy season from May to December.

source: maritime-executive.com