Panama reduces maximum draft for ships due to El Niño water scarcity

The Panama Canal has once again reduced the maximum draft allowed for ships due to water scarcity associated with the El Niño phenomenon. The measure is applied as a precaution to ensure safe navigation conditions on one of the main routes of international maritime trade.

The restrictions are applied progressively and include further reductions over the coming weeks. The draft limit could drop to 47.5 feet, compared to the 50 feet that the Neopanamax locks allow under favorable conditions.

The reduction in draft forces ships to adjust their cargo to comply with navigation conditions, while controls on transit through the interoceanic waterway continue. The evolution of climatic conditions will be decisive for the continuation of these measures.