Long-running drought leads to shipping restrictions in Panama Canal

MEXICO CITY - The Panama Canal is restricting the number of ship passages due to low water levels, caused by a long-lasting drought, reported German news agency (dpa).

For the time being, only 32 ships per day are allowed to pass through the waterway, the responsible authority announced on Tuesday. Previously, the daily number had been reduced to around 36 ship passages.

The Panama Canal is one of the most important waterways in the world. It connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean in Central America.

The canal, which begins in Colón in the north and ends near Panama City in the south, is about 80 kilometres long.

The waterway has three lock systems through which the ships are raised to the level of Lake Gatún, a large artificial reservoir 28 metres above sea level, and later lowered again.

As less rain falls in the region and temperatures rise, the water level of Lake Gatún has dropped, which has impacted on the navigability of the waterway.

According to shipping journal Lloyd's List, the maximum draught (how deep a ship sits in the water) at which ships are allowed to pass through the canal has been reduced to 13.4 metres. Normally the maximum draft is 15.4 metres.

Despite the start of the rainy season and measures to save water, the additional steps are necessary, the Panama Canal Authority said. The restrictions are likely to lead to longer waiting times.

About 14,000 ships travel through the Panama Canal every year, accounting for about 6 per cent of world trade. - BERNAMA