Drought forces Panama Canal to lower vessels’ draft

Drought forces Panama Canal to lower vessels’ draft
The motor vessel Triton becomes the largest ship to transit the Expanded Panama Canal

PANAMA CITY, April 20 (NNN-PRENSA LATINA) — The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) on Wednesday announced temporary restrictions in the draft for Neopanamax vessels crossing the inter-oceanic waterway due to the ongoing drought.    

According to an official press release from the entity, the current situation in its lake system requires this fifth restriction of the current dry season.

The maximum authorized draft for vessels going through the canal has been set at 47.5 feet instead of 50 feet.

The measure was implemented in the past when necessary due to drought, so those vessels were forced to reduce the cargo volume they carry, according to the text.

ACP Administrator Ricaurte Vasquez explained that the lack of rainfalls has affected water availability and forced canal authorities to implement these restrictions. — NNN-PRENSA LATINA

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