Panama Canal draft restrictions now approved for ships

Panama Canal draft restrictions now approved for ships PANAMA Canal Authority (ACP) says new draft restrictions on ships are to be implemented next month due to falling water levels of lakes along the waterway. The ACP said periodic warming of the tropical Pacific Ocean, changes the pattern of rainfall in many regions.  "In this case, it has triggered a drought in the canal's watershed causing the water levels of Gatun and Alhajuela Lakes to fall below their average for this time of year." Vessels using the waterway will have to comply with a maximum draft at 11.89 metres (39 feet) beginning April 18, and the ACP said these temporary and preventive measures have been taken to ensure the continuous and safe operation of the canal during this period. Vessels loaded to drafts over 11.89 metres (39 feet) before March 21, will have their draft restriction waived for transit, but vessels loaded after that date will have to comply with the new draft limitation. "Draft restrictions will be implemented in 15-centimeter (six-inch) decrements at a time, with each restriction announced at least four weeks in advance," the ACP added.