Americas News
Panama Canal Cuts Daily Transit Slots as Water Levels Fall
The Panama Canal has announced it will reduce daily transit slots from September 3 as low rainfall continues to put pressure on water levels in the canal watershed.
The number of daily slots at Neopanamax locks will fall to nine, while slots for Panamax locks will be set at 25, the Panama Canal Authority said in a notification on Thursday.
From September 15, Panamax slots will fall further to 23 slots per day.
The canal will also change its auction system, dividing slots into four cargo groups covering LNG and LPG, dry bulk and general cargo, containerships and vehicle carriers, and tankers.
The Panama Canal Authority warned that lower daily capacity could increase waiting times for vessels arriving without reservations and urged customers to use its booking system.
It will also delay planned draft restrictions at Neopanamax locks.
The maximum authorised draft of 14.63 m (48 feet) will remain in place until September 2, while the planned reduction to 14.48 m (47.5 feet) has been pushed back to October 1.
The authority said it will continue monitoring rainfall, watershed inflows and lake levels and could make further operational changes if conditions deteriorate.
Key Bunker Prices More
| VLSFO | MGO | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $/mt | +/- | $/mt | +/- | |
| Singapore | 963.00 | 26.00 | 1351.50 | 10.50 |
| Rotterdam | 766.00 | 3.00 | 1446.00 | 11.50 |
| Houston | 817.00 | 11.50 | 1421.00 | 1.00 |
| Fujairah | 981.00 | 12.00 | 1768.50 | 17.50 |
| Americas Average | 962.50 | 8.50 | 1630.50 | 22.50 |
| Global 20 Ports Average | 929.50 | 10.50 | 1565.00 | 13.00 |
| Global 4 Ports Average | 882.00 | 13.50 | 1496.50 | 9.50 |
| Global Average Bunker Price | 978.50 | 20.00 | 1616.50 | 18.50 |
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