Americas News
Panama Canal Authority: Proposed Draft Restriction Suspended
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has suspended a restriction that would have seen the maximum allowable draft lowered to 11.89 metres (39 feet) from 12.04 metres (39.5 feet) on September 8, Platts reports.
"The amount of rainfall received in the canal watershed during the last few days, in addition to the implemented water conservation measures, has made it possible for Panama canal to suspend the [proposed] restriction," said the ACP.
The restriction was expected to affect nearly 20 percent of vessels using the canal, preventing many ships from transiting the canal while fully loaded.
Gatun Lake water levels are said to be still well below seasonal normals, and the ACP warns that a draft restriction could still be imposed depending on weather.
Any such restriction would be announced at least four weeks prior, says the ACP.
Last week, it was reported that the Panama Canal expansion project suffered a setback after a crack developed in the new Cocoli Locks on the country's Pacific side.
