The Panama Canal will reduce daily ship transits 🛳️ due to the lack of rainfall linked to El Niño. From 3 September, the daily slot limit is set at 34 vessels (9 Neopanamax & 25 Panamax), down from the current 36, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) reported last Thursday.
From September 15th, the limit will be further reduced to 32 vessels (9 Neopanamax & 23 Panamax). In addition, the authority announced changes to its auction methodology per market segment group.
Lack of Rainfall
💧During the current hydrological year from May through August, rainfall across the Canal watershed was 34% below the historical average, while inflows were 44% lower than the average for the same period. Forecasts also suggest that the expected intensity of the 2026–2027 El Niño could further reduce rainfall and runoff during the remainder of the wet season.
Longer Waiting Times & Reservations
The Panama Canal warned that vessels arriving without reservations could face longer waiting times and urged customers to use of the booking and reservation options offered through its Transit Reservation (Booking) System.
Moreover, the Panama Canal announced it will delay the implementation of the maximum authorised draft measures planned for August 26 and September 3rd by roughly a week.
💡The Panama Canal is a vital link in international shipping, with the transit of between 3 – 5% of global maritime trade.
More details in this Panama Canal Authority Communication: Panama Canal Adopts Additional Measures to Address Reduced Precipitation in the Canal Watershed
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