Americas News
Panama Canal to Reduce Neopanamax Draft Limit From July 3
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) will reduce the maximum authorised draft for vessels transiting its Neopanamax locks, effective July 3, as part of its water management strategy amid concerns over a potential El Niño event.
The measure is intended to ensure the safe, reliable and sustainable operation of the canal under current hydrological conditions while preparing for the possible development of El Niño in the coming months, ACP said in a note to operators on June 4.
El Niño is a climate phenomenon linked to warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific that often brings drier weather to Panama, reducing inflows into the canal's freshwater reservoirs.
Effective July 3, the maximum authorised draft for vessels transiting the Neopanamax locks will be reduced to 15.09 m (49.5 feet).
The ACP said the decision was based on current and projected water levels in Gatun Lake, the main reservoir supplying water for canal operations.
Draft restrictions can force larger vessels to reduce cargo loads in order to meet the new limit, potentially affecting container, LNG, LPG and bulk carrier trades using the waterway.
The ACP said it will continue to closely monitor lake levels and hydrological forecasts and will announce any further operational adjustments if necessary.
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