From gCaptain, June 11:
The Panama Canal Authority has announced another increase in the number of daily transits through the waterway’s locks as rainfall returns to the region.
The current number of daily transits will be increased from the current level of 32 to 33, effective from July 11, and will further increase to 34 from July 22, according to the Authority’s new schedule.
The decision comes in light of the current and forecasted water levels in Gatun Lake over the coming weeks, and the arrival of the rainy season in the Panama Canal watershed.
For over a year, the Panama Canal has been operating below capacity due to a severe drought, worsened by a strong El Nino. However, the ACP has been gradually increasing both the number of daily transit numbers and maximum drafts from recent lows of 24 transits and maximum drafts below 44 feet....
....MUCH MORE
Previously:December 2023
"Panama Canal To Raise Daily Ship Limit From January After Improved Drought Conditions"
And if interested in why we were a bit flippant about El Niño see also October 26's:
El Niño 2023 -2024 Won't Be As Deep As Feared
There have been some borderline hysterical headlines over the course of the last year or so:
- El Niño Is Coming—and the World Isn’t Prepared
- Forecasted El Niño Could Cost $3-Trillion in Losses Globally
- El Niño’s storm clouds gather over global food prices
- The Looming El Niño Could Cost the World Trillions of Dollars
- How ETFs are bracing for the turbulence of El Niño
We didn't link when the stories came out and aren't going to do so now. Look 'em up if you wish.....
- "Panama Canal backlog risks chardonnay shortage"
- "Panama Canal drought to delay grain ships well into 2024"
- Shipping: Panama Canal Sees No Need For Further Transit Restriction Until April At The Earliest
- China Will Help Panama Secure the Canal Against Terrorists
- Panama Canal Increases Booking Slots Amid Expected Rainfall
- Logistics: "Navigating Uncertainty: El Niño, La Niña, and the Panama Canal Drought"