The Panama Canal Authority announced on August 20 that below-forecast rainfall requires new operating restrictions. Daily capacity will fall from 36 vessels to 34 on September 3, then to 32 on September 15. Neopanamax slots will be limited to nine per day, while Panamax slots will eventually fall to 23. The Canal is also reorganizing daily auction slots by vessel and cargo category.
Reuters reports that rainfall between May and August was 34% below average and watershed inflows were 44% lower, raising the possibility of further restrictions if the severe El Niño persists.
Source: Panama Canal Authority
