Panama Canal Reduces Ship Traffic Due to El Niño Drought
2 sources · Brazil
Who reported this
- UOL
- Folha de S.Paulo
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The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) implemented a plan on Friday to reduce ship traffic following a decrease in rainfall caused by the El Niño climate phenomenon. The waterway, which connects the Pacific and Atlantic oceans and handles 5 percent of global maritime trade, will gradually reduce daily crossings from 36 to 32. Starting September 15, the maximum number of vessels permitted to transit the waterway will be 32.
The canal relies on rainwater stored in the artificial lakes of Gatun and Alhajuela. Water levels in these lakes have dropped due to El Niño, which is described as the most intense ever recorded and has triggered a national alert. The ACP stated that rainfall in the canal basin was lower than expected, necessitating additional measures to ensure long term operational sustainability.
Other water saving measures were implemented months ago, including limits on the draft of vessels. Beginning October 1, the maximum draft will be reduced from 15.24 meters to 14.48 meters to decrease water displacement. In 2023, El Niño previously forced a reduction in daily transits from 38 to 22. The ACP has not ruled out further restrictions depending on rainfall volumes in the coming weeks.
How each side framed it
- Centre-left
- The report presented the traffic reductions as a technical necessity for operational sustainability.
- Centre
- The report presented the traffic reductions as a technical necessity for operational sustainability.
Sources
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