Congestion and transit delays worsen for drought-hit Panama Canal

Warnings delays will last until 2024 after canal authority caps transits.

Congestion is worsening at the Panama Canal as the isthmus battles record drought and water shortages that have lengthened waiting times to more than 20 days for bulk carriers, amid continued restrictions on daily booking slots.

The Panama Canal Authority capped transits at 32 per day in late July, from 36 under normal conditions. It will continue to limit maximum draft to 44 ft, or 13.41 metres in the coming months.

There were 216 vessels over 5,000 dwt at anchor on the Atlantic or Pacific sides or transiting the canal on August 16, including 73 bulk carriers, Lloyd’s List Intelligence data shows.

News Source: https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1146282/Congestion-and-transit-delays-worsen-for-drought-hit-Panama-Canal

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18.08.2023