The Panama Canal Authority announces draft limit reductions for July and August due to severe El Niño forecasts, lowering the maximum draft to 48.5 feet.
In June, the Panama Canal Authority took preventive steps to reduce the maximum draft of vessels and announced that the draft limits would be further reduced in two phases during July and August. Due to forecasts predicting one of the most severe El Niño events in recent years, the canal management continues its efforts for planning and managing water levels.
In a statement made on July 1, the Panama Canal Authority indicated that the decisions taken are part of its water management strategy. The statement emphasized that the levels in Gatun Lake, the primary water source for canal operations, are being closely monitored.
The maximum draft limit applied in the locks used by Neopanamax vessels will be reduced by half a foot to 49 feet on July 24. Following this, an additional half-foot reduction will be implemented on August 15, bringing the maximum draft to 48.5 feet. Thus, a total decrease of 1.5 feet from the normal draft limit of 50 feet, which was maintained during the spring months, will occur.
Although the new restrictions have come into effect, they remain at a more limited level compared to the measures implemented during the drought period of 2022-2023. During that period, the maximum draft was initially reduced to the range of 43-44 feet, and then to 38.5 feet. In the subsequent process, while draft restrictions were balanced, the number of daily vessel transits was reduced to conserve water.
Previous restrictions had led to extended waiting times in the canal and record-high bids in auctions for reserved transit rights. Large LNG carriers altered their routes to go around the southern part of South America, while larger container ships had to unload their cargoes to transfer through the Panama Isthmus.
Authorities aim to prevent similar disruptions by taking precautions in the early stages of the water management cycle this time. According to data from the Panama Canal Authority's online control panel, operations are currently proceeding normally. As of July 6, 10 vessels without reservations are waiting in line for transit, while 65 vessels with reservations are waiting off the canal terminals.
The waiting time for northbound vessels without reservations has decreased to 4 days, significantly lower than the 11.5-day peak observed last month. The southbound waiting time is measured at 1.8 days, which is a substantial reduction compared to the 15-day peak recorded in June.
Due to disruptions and the risk of closure in the Strait of Hormuz, the demand for transits through the Panama Canal has significantly increased this year. It has also been reported that record bids have been placed in auctions for current transit permits.
The Panama Canal Authority expressed its gratitude for the understanding and cooperation shown by the maritime sector and stated that it will continue to closely monitor water levels and take additional measures if deemed necessary.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
