Mrthe city canal imposes restrictions on the draft of ships due to severe drought. The largest vessels have to reduce the weight of their cargoes from May 24, the additional restriction will come into force from the last days of May, writes TTS.
Some major ocean carriers have already announced that they will introduce new charges for goods sent via the route from June 1, 2023, in response to the channel's restrictions.
By July of this year, the water level in Lake Gatun, the largest of the two lakes that feed the canal, is projected to reach an all-time low.
From May 24, Neo-Panamax vessels - the largest vessels passing through the waterway - will be allowed a draft of up to 44.5 feet (13.56 m), up from the already limited 45 feet (13.71 m), canal official Octavio Colinres said. ). Another limit will be introduced from May 30 - up to 44 feet (13.41 m).
The change may result in a 40% reduction in cargo on some container ships.
It said the measures could lead to delays and higher costs for goods shipped through the canal, which normally carries 5% of the world's annual maritime trade.
Among Neo-Panamax users of the Panama Canal in April 2023, container ships accounted for 45% of traffic, followed by vessels carrying liquefied petroleum gas, dry cargo and liquefied natural gas.