The Panama Canal will reduce the number of daily transit slots as falling rainfall raises concerns over water supplies, Maritime Executive reports. The first cut will take effect on September 3, when the canal will reduce its daily capacity from 34 to 32 transits.
The Panama Canal Authority says rainfall in the canal watershed is below expectations despite the start of the rainy season. During the current hydrological year, accumulated rainfall is down 34%, while water inflows to the watershed have fallen 44%.
From September 3, the Neopanamax locks will have nine daily slots and the Panamax locks 25. From September 15, the number of Panamax slots will fall to 23. The Authority warns that these changes could increase waiting times for ships without a reservation. As of August 20, 36 non-booked vessels were waiting, with average delays of 8.5 days northbound and 7.7 days southbound.
The Authority is also changing its auction system to make access to limited slots more balanced. Auctions will be divided by vessel type, including LNG/LPG carriers, dry bulk ships, containerships, RoRos, vehicle carriers, refrigerated ships and tankers. Full containerships with the highest TEU capacity will get priority at the Neopanamax locks.
The lower number of transits will also delay planned draft changes. The 48-foot (14.63-meter) limit for the Neopanamax locks is now scheduled for September 2, while the next reduction to 47.5 feet (14.48 meters) will take effect on October 1.
Gatun Lake has remained just above 84 feet, around one foot below the five-year average for August. The Canal Authority warns that further restrictions may be needed if water conditions worsen.
