© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: Monrovia’s bulk carrier NSU Challenger crosses the Extended Canal through the Panama Canal’s Kokoli Locks, on the outskirts of Panama City, Panama April 19, 2023. REUTERS/Aris Martinez/File Photo
Written by Elida Moreno
PANAMA CITY (Reuters) – The Panama Canal will delay depth restrictions that were set to affect the largest ships traversing the main waterway, the Canal Authority said, after much-needed rains provided relief to the strained sea lane.
A series of measures were due to take effect on June 25 and July 9 that require ships to float at higher depths, meaning they need to haul less cargo or otherwise lose weight and affecting trade at one of the world’s busiest commercial crossings. .
Panama’s rainy season has been slow to give respite to months of drought. However, between 70 mm (2.76 in) and 80 mm (3.15 in) of rain is expected in the Panama Canal basin in the next 72 hours, according to the country’s weather service.
The New Panamax vessels can continue to sail at the previous depth limit of 44.0 feet (13.41 metres) and Panamax vessels can move at 39.5 feet (12.04 metres), the canal authority said in a warning to customers seen by Reuters.
The administration has not specified when the measures will be postponed yet, but said it will continue to monitor water levels and “announce future draft amendments in due course.”
The canal authority had earlier announced another tightening, which was to take place on July 19, but did not indicate this in the consultations for its clients. The officials did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for clarification.
Since the beginning of the year, the canal has imposed a number of depth restrictions as droughts, caused by the El Niño weather phenomenon, put pressure on the water supply.