Panama Canal warns of further transit cuts as El Niño deepens drought
The Panama Canal’s daily ship limit is scheduled to fall to 32 from 15 September, with further reductions possible if rainfall remains poor.
Panama Canal authorities may impose further restrictions on ship transits if strengthening El Niño worsens drought and reduces freshwater supplies, according to Al Jazeera Global News.
The daily limit has already fallen from 36 to 34 ships, with a scheduled reduction to 32 from 15 September. Canal administrator Ilya Espino de Marotta said further cuts could be required if rainfall does not improve, with the limit potentially falling to about 29 ships in February or March.
The decision will depend on rainfall during September, October and November. Panama declared a nationwide state of emergency over El Niño on 26 August.
The 80-kilometre canal relies mainly on rainfall-fed Gatun and Alajuela lakes. An average transit uses about 200 million litres of freshwater, while authorities have reduced the maximum vessel draft from 15.2 metres to 14.6 metres, potentially requiring ships to carry less cargo.
The canal handles about 5 per cent of global maritime trade. During the 2023–24 drought, daily crossings reportedly fell as low as 22.
Panama is planning a reservoir at Rio Indio as a longer-term water supply measure, but construction is expected to take five to six years.
