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July 2, 2024

Near-Normal Water Levels Allowing More Ship Transits Through Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is bouncing back after a rough year. Water levels are recovering thanks to recent rainfall, allowing the canal authority to increase traffic and cargo capacity.

Here is a breakdown:

More ships, more cargo: Starting in August, the canal will accommodate nine giant neo-Panamax ships daily (up from the current eight) and nineteen slightly smaller super-Panamax ships (up from eighteen). This brings the total daily capacity to 35 ships, compared to just 24 in May.

Drought woes over: This increase follows a rough period caused by a drought in mid-2023. Low water levels in Gatun Lake, which supplies the canal’s locks, forced restrictions. At its worst, the canal limited daily traffic to only 18 ships.

Rainy days bring relief: Thankfully, the drought is over. Rainfall has refilled Gatun Lake to its normal July depth of around 83 feet. This improvement has enticed shipping companies to resume using the canal.

Deeper pockets for cargo: The canal authority has also relaxed depth restrictions for neo-Panamax ships, allowing them to carry more cargo by permitting a draft of up to 48 feet (previously limited to 45 feet during the drought).

Source: JOC

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