Panama Canal Increases Daily Transits After Consistent Rain

The Panama Canal will increase its daily capacity to 36 transits starting in September, thanks to consistently strong rainfall that has brought the waterway closer to its maximum operating conditions.

The canal, which can handle up to 40 ship transits daily at full capacity, had to reduce this number last year due to a severe drought. The drought also forced canal authorities to lower the maximum draft limits for ships using the neopanamax locks by nearly 2 meters. 

However, with the recent return of rains, these restrictions have been gradually eased. The canal is set to expand its daily transit slots to 35 starting August 5.

Looking ahead, the Panama Canal Authority has set a six-year target to construct a new $1.6 billion reservoir along the Indio River. This project aims to ensure water security for the canal, enabling it to maintain a minimum of 36 transits per day in the future.