The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has announced a third draught restriction for the Canal due to drought caused by the El Niño phenomenon.
Effective 9 May, the maximum authorised transit draught will be set at 11.59m (38.0 feet) Tropical Fresh Water. Vessels loaded to draughts over 11.59 meters (38.0ft) on or before 11 April 2016, will have this draught restriction waived for transit, subject to safety considerations. Vessels loaded after 11 April 2016, have to comply with the draught restriction. As in the past, draught restrictions will be implemented in 15cm (six-inch) decrements at a time, with each restriction announced at least four weeks in advance.
The Panama Canal will continue to monitor and manage the water levels. The Panama Canal will eliminate these draught restrictions as soon as Gatun Lake level returns to normal. As always, these are temporary and preventive measures to ensure the continuous and safe operations of the Canal.
