The drought has affected the water level of Gatun Lake, the main source of water for the Panama Canal.
The Panama Canal Authority is expected to restrict shipping activities through the canal from now until the end of next year. At the same time, strict regulations on draft (ie the water level from the bottom of the ship to the surface of the canal) are applied to manage the flow of boats. At the same time, strict regulations on draft (in the water level from the bottom of the ship to the surface of the canal) are applied to manage the flow of boats.
According to Reuters, restrictive measures are in place to conserve water in the Panama Canal amid a prolonged drought. This measure has led to congestion of ships waiting to pass through the arterial waterway, which is also one of the reasons for the higher cost of freight goods.
Waiting times to pass through the canal in August doubled compared with July for some types of ships. Meanwhile, many shipowners have sought alternative routes to avoid delays in deliveries, as the Christmas season approaches.
Sources: cafef.vn