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Panama Canal reduces daily vessel transits due to drought
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has announced a progressive reduction in daily vessel transits due to severe water shortages caused by the El Niño phenomenon. The reduction aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of operations in the face of low rainfall.
Starting September 15, 2026, the total number of daily transits will be limited to 32 vessels, consisting of 23 Panamax and 9 Neopanamax slots. This follows previous reductions in transit capacity and draft limits. To manage the crisis, the ACP is also adjusting draft restrictions, with a 48-foot limit set for September 2 and a 47.5-foot limit scheduled for October 1.
The Institute for Research and Development of Foreign Trade (Idexcam) warned that these restrictions could drive up freight rates and logistics costs, particularly for vessels transporting LNG and LPG, which could see daily rates exceeding USD 81,250. Additionally, high demand and uncertainty have caused auction prices for transit slots to spike, with some last-minute transits costing as much as 4 million dollars.
Entities
Chamber of Commerce of Lima · Idexcam · Panama Canal · Panama Canal Authority
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] A draft limit of 48 feet will be applied starting September 2. lacamara.pe · www.freshplaza.es
- [● 2 SOURCES] A draft limit of 47.5 feet will be applied starting October 1. lacamara.pe · www.freshplaza.es
- [● 2 SOURCES] The drought is being driven by the El Niño phenomenon. lacamara.pe · www.freshplaza.es
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The restrictions may increase freight rates and logistics costs for international trade. lacamara.pe
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The reduction includes 23 Panamax slots and 9 Neopanamax slots. lacamara.pe
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Auction prices for transit slots have reached up to 4 million dollars. www.freshplaza.es
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Panama Canal Authority is reducing daily transit capacity due to water shortages. lacamara.pe · www.freshplaza.es
- [● 2 SOURCES] Daily transit slots will be reduced to 32 vessels starting September 15, 2026. lacamara.pe · www.freshplaza.es