Panama Canal begins reducing crossings due to El Nino

The Panama Canal has commenced reducing the number of ships traversing its waters due to a drought triggered by the El Nino weather phenomenon, according to the Panama Canal Authority. Low water levels in the canal's two artificial lakes, which supply its water supply, have prompted the decision. The number of vessels permitted through the canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, will be gradually reduced from 36 per day to 32 by mid-September.

Panama has declared a nationwide emergency in response to the El Nino weather pattern, which is causing global shifts in winds, atmospheric pressure, and rainfall, and raising global temperatures. This year's El Nino is anticipated to be the most severe since comparable records commenced four decades ago. Although it has not yet reached its peak, Central America is grappling with a severe drought, leading Honduras and El Salvador to also declare emergencies.

The Panama Canal accounts for five percent of global maritime trade and approximately 40 percent of US container traffic. The canal has already introduced additional water conservation measures, such as lowering the maximum draft for the largest ships. In 2023, the El Nino weather phenomenon prompted the canal authority to reduce the number of daily crossings to 22 vessels.