Panama Canal to Extend Transit Restrictions for Another 10 Months

The Panama Canal plans to maintain daily transit restrictions on ships for an additional 10 months, amid a prolonged drought that has led to decreasing water levels, according to Reuters, referencing canal management.

Restrictions were first imposed by the canal management earlier this year. Shipowners were compelled to lighten their loads or seek alternative routes due to these limitations. The extension of these restrictions will allow the canal to conserve water until the next rainy season, but it could pose greater challenges for vessels.

In a bid to alleviate congestion, which surpassed 160 ships in early August, canal authorities recently opened two additional lanes daily for unregistered vessels.