Panama Canal Authority Increases Daily Transit Slots For Improved Access
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has increased the number of daily slots available in the Panamax locks in response to Gatun Lake’s current and expected levels. The canal has suffered a record drought since June last year, so the decision is a relief.
The canal operates below its typical maximum capacity, but with three additional slots added daily, the maximum number of transits per day is now 27. Although circumstances have improved, this is over ten slots below the waterway’s usual limit.
The ACP intends to implement this increase by bidding on two more transit dates beginning on March 18 and opening up a third slot for transit days starting March 25. These changes are intended to accommodate most ships attempting to traverse the canal and reduce the backlog of vessels waiting to cross.
The canal encountered severe difficulties during the worst drought, with lengthy queues and expensive tolls discouraging many ships from using the channel. However, the ACP has moved closer to returning operations to normal since significant amounts of rainfall have replenished Gatun Lake.
As a preventive measure, ACP has also decreased the maximum draft at its most extensive locks by roughly 2 meters. The canal can generally take up to 40 vessels daily; thus, its capacity is not reaching its maximum potential even with these modifications.
The number of ships waiting to pass the canal has dropped to 54, down from over 160 in August. This decrease indicates that things are gradually improving, even though problems still exist.
Overall, these steps show the ACP’s commitment to mitigating the effects of the drought and assuring the continuing operation of one of the world’s most important maritime routes.
Reference: Panama Canal Authority
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