Great News! The Panama Canal Drought Situation Improves, Leading to Eased Restrictions!

The Panama Canal Authority announced this week that it will increase the number of reserved transit slots and the maximum allowable draft. 

While compared to the restriction of 27 vessels announced a month ago, the ACP will gradually allow up to 32 vessels to pass through each day starting from May 16. This is a significant increase compared to the minimum of 18 vessels per day. The maximum draft for vessels passing through the largest locks will also be increased from 13.41 meters to 13.71 meters in mid-June.

It is worth noting that before this, the Gatun Locks are scheduled for maintenance from May 7th to 15th, which will temporarily reduce the daily transit capacity of the Panama Canal from 20 vessels to 17 vessels. This adjustment to the draft limit is based on a careful analysis of water resource availability and considers the forecast for Gatun Lake water levels, ensuring optimal sailing conditions. 

The decision to implement these measures was made after extensive analysis and monitoring of water resources. This improvement in water levels is attributed to the "water-saving measures" implemented since last year and the "slight rainfall since April."

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