Details Written by Cupsi Published: October 1, 2023 Viewed: 41
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has announced that it will reduce the number of ships crossing the interoceanic route daily to 31 starting November 1, as the Central American country suffers from extreme drought and limits the availability of fresh water in the lakes that feed the canal.
The measure is part of plans announced in early August by AKP administrator Ricaurte Vásquez, who indicated that daily traffic through the canal would be reduced to 30 to 32 ships instead of the usual 36 to 38. boats. Vásquez explained that the operator does not have enough water to continue at the pace of previous years.
In addition, last May the Panama Canal Authority gradually lowered the maximum draft of ships allowed to transit to 13.4 meters, a value that excludes some of the largest ships. This measure will be maintained in the new Panamanian fiscal year, which begins this Sunday.
The most drastic restrictions will affect Neopanamax-class vessels designed for the canal’s new locks. The ACP has proposed a short period between October 20 and 26 to allow ships that have pre-reserved passage through these locks, from the end of January to the end of August next year, to cancel their reservations free of charge.
“This measure is offered as a relief for vessels affected by the draft reduction, which will most likely remain in effect throughout the 2024 dry season,” explained Boris Moreno Vásquez, Vice President of Operations.
Panama’s Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology estimates that rainfall in 2023 was about 15% to 30% below normal. In addition, the start of the rainy season was delayed, resulting in less rainfall.