Vessel traffic between the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean, constrained by the worst drought on record in Panama, will be alleviated by the canal’s authority deciding to increase its daily booking slots from 27 to 32.
The Autoridad del Canal de Panamá announced the decision in an advisory to the liner trade. It includes a decrease in the draught restriction placed on vessels passing through the Gatun Lake locks — from 13.41 meters to 13.71 meters.
However, draught alleviation will most likely be implemented in the middle of June, provided that the current rainfall levels continue.
The worst drought in Panama’s history caused the country to decrease the number of vessels passing through the isthmus.
The canal’s level, fed by the manmade Gatun Lake, had been affected by the lack of enough water that could be pumped into the locks.
The drought affected Panama’s biggest GDP money spinner, domestic agriculture, and, ultimately, up to 3% of global trade using the canal.
