The Panama Canal’s governing authority has announced under Advisory to Shipping No. A-54-2023 they will be raising the number of daily transits through the Canal from 22 to 24 beginning in January given the improved weather conditions. This adjustment is a reaction to the Gatun Lake’s current conditions, i.e. the water level was abnormally low for this time of year because of the drought brought on by the El Niño phenomena.
October 2023 marked the driest October on record for the Canal Watershed. In response, daily transits were reduced to 22 in December, 20 in January, and 18 in February, anticipating potential worsening conditions in November and December. This marks the first instance of transit restrictions in the Canal’s history. However, given the water conservation efforts by the authorities and favorable rainfall conditions there will be changes in the regulations imposed during October’s advisory on the ship limits.
Effective January 16, 2024, the Panama Canal will implement these measures, enforcing these adjustments that aim to enhance reservation accessibility for most vessels traversing the canal. Canal specialists are actively monitoring the ongoing water challenges but have communicated that the adjustments will remain in effect until conditions necessitate any changes.
Given that 2023 has been the second driest year in the Canal Watershed’s history, an operational plan has been established to prioritize water conservation and ensure reliable passage amidst low rainfall and declining lake levels. These measures have proven vital in adapting smoothly to challenging climatic conditions.
