The Panama Canal has lifted transit restrictions following a severe drought, allowing increased vessel drafts and raising the daily transit count to 36, as recent rainfall boosts water levels in key reservoirs. This improvement follows historical restrictions and innovative auction systems for transit slots during the drought’s peak. PRIMO’s integration capabilities and human-first support system provide reliable alternatives and logistical solutions during such disruptions, ensuring efficient freight management and mitigating the impact of global shipping delays.

• Lifting Restrictions: The Panama Canal is easing restrictions as water levels normalize after a severe drought, increasing the draft to 50 feet and allowing 36 vessels a day to transit.
• Impact of Drought: Last year’s El Niño caused significant rainfall reduction, leading to daily transit restrictions for the first time in history.
• Future Plans: The canal authority is considering building a dam on Rio Indio to boost water supply and may implement seasonal draft restrictions during future dry seasons.
• Economic Importance: The canal handles about 3% of global maritime trade and is Panama’s biggest revenue source, bringing in nearly $5 billion last year.

Reference: ttnews.com