Panama Canal bulk carrier transits decline by 22%

Bulk carrier transits through the Panama Canal have decreased by 22% since July 2026. According to an analysis by Bimco, bulk carriers are facing increased competition for space from other vessel segments, particularly tankers. This shift is driven by rising energy resource exports from the United States to Asia.

Environmental factors, specifically the El Niño phenomenon, are also contributing to the decline by potentially lowering water levels in the canal. This situation complicates vessel transit and intensifies competition for available capacity. The Panama Canal Authority plans to restrict transits to an average of 29.5 per day for the upcoming fiscal year starting in October, following previous reductions in daily vessel crossings and draft limits.