Panama Canal Implements Further Ship Limitations Amidst Drought Crisis
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has announced that daily ship crossings on the Panama Canal will be reduced to 31 from 32 due to a severe drought expected to last until next year. The ACP has been implementing various passage restrictions to conserve water, including cutting vessel draft and daily passage authorizations. The new rules will be implemented from November 1, with nine ships passing through the Neopanamax lock and 22 through the Panamax lock each day. Transit reservation quotas will also be adjusted to a maximum of 30 per day. Experts warn of possible disruptions to maritime trade as water levels are expected to reach near-record lows in April.