Panama Canal to cut daily transits from September as rainfall lags
Panama Canal Authority will lower daily reserved transits from 36 to 32 beginning in September because of low rainfall and falling water levels.
The Panama Canal Authority announced that it will reduce the number of daily vessel transits starting in September as a precaution against falling water levels caused by low rainfall.
Daily reservations cut from 36 to 32
The authority said the number of transits for which reservations can be made will be lowered gradually from 36 to 32 per day. The measure is intended to conserve water in the canal’s reservoirs and locks as levels have declined.
Officials stressed that, despite it being the rainy season and existing water-saving measures already in place to limit the impacts of El Niño, further preventive steps are necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the canal.
Precipitation between May and August was reported to be around 34 percent below the historical average for that period, putting additional pressure on the water resources that feed the canal.
Forecasts indicate the region is expected to experience reduced rainfall as a result of the El Niño phenomenon during 2026-2027, prompting authorities to take early action ahead of potentially drier months.
The phased reduction in daily transits aims to balance ongoing commercial traffic needs with the imperative to protect the canal’s operating capacity through the coming dry spell.
Photo: press material from the event
