Panama Canal reports 20% fewer ships waiting to transit

The Authority of Panama Canal said on Tuesday that there are 20% fewer vessels waiting to transit since last week, which he described as “normal” for the time of year, amid restrictions on navigation caused by a prolonged drought.

“With 108 at both entrances to the waterway, there are 20% fewer vessels waiting in total since last week (135), which is normal for this time of year.”, he said in a statement.

A prolonged dry season and the phenomenon of The boy They caused the Panama Canal to implement measures earlier in the year to save water, in order to maintain high levels of reliability.

While these measures and the high demand for seasonal vessels have had an impact on waiting times for some – mainly for vessels without reservations – such demand underscores the continuing preference of the shipping industry for the route between the Atlantic and Pacific, reported the Authority.

One month after the end of fiscal year 2023 (October 1 – September 30), the total number of transits through the Panama Canal it is 799 above the budget and the total tons add up to 470 million, which remains within the projections.

“The number of vessels waiting will depend on market demand. As we approach the peak season in the Panama Canal, and if the decrease in rainfall remains within forecasts, a longer than usual queue of ships is expected, but the measures adopted by the Canal have proven their worth. effectiveness”, he added.

These measures include: for the Neopanamax locks, a maximum draft of 13.4 meters (44 feet) (below last year’s average of 15.2 meters (50 feet); for the Panamax locks, an average of 32 daily transits (compared to the 36 of last year).

The Panama Canal urged its clients to make reservations to transit, since this allows them to ensure a place. Approximately 50% of transits (most of which use the Panamax locks) do not make reservations and transit on a first-come, first-served basis.

lake levels

Lack of rainfall has affected Gatun Lake, which now sits at 24.2 meters (79.7 feet), up from 26.6 meters (87.41 feet) in September of previous years.

Typically, the lake ends a normal rainy season at 27.1 meters (89 ft) in November and ends the dry season in late April at 25.9 meters (85 ft). The measures adopted will be maintained for the rest of this year and throughout 2024, unless the weather conditions change significantly from current forecasts.