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Panama Canal postpones transit restrictions until spring

Panama Canal postpones transit restrictions until spring

Posted on February 16, 2024   |  

Panama Canal doesn't expect more transit restrictions until April, awaiting water level assessments post-dry season by the Panama Canal Authority.

Severe drought previously led to transit limits, but increased rainfall last quarter delayed further restrictions until January this year.

Red Sea vessel attacks boosted demand for Panama Canal transit, but water level preservation concerns limited rerouted traffic accommodation.

Currently, 24 authorized transits are allowed until April, possibly increasing to around 36 vessels per day with anticipated May rainfall.

Canal Authority is cautious about reducing maximum vessel draft to maintain liners' profitability, prioritizing containerships over bulk carriers.