After facing severe drought conditions in 2023 and 2024 due to El Niño, the Panama Canal has successfully maintained operations with a maximum draft of 15.24 meters (50 feet) during this year’s dry season. Canal Administrator Ricaurte Vásquez Morales expressed optimism, stating that the upcoming rainy season is expected to replenish water levels, ensuring stable operations ahead of the next dry period in early 2026.
Traffic Rebounds as Cargo Volumes Recover
Vásquez noted a positive trend in shipping activity, with increased movements of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), containers, and bulk cargo compared to last year.
“We anticipate the Panama Canal evolving into a more diversified hub, serving global trade not just through shipping but also via related logistical services,” he added.
Expansion Project to Boost Capacity
To enhance long-term resilience, the Panama Canal Authority (PCA) is advancing a $1.6 billion reservoir project, which will enable 15 additional daily transits once completed. This expansion aims to mitigate future climate-related disruptions and strengthen the canal’s role in global maritime trade.
The improved conditions mark a significant recovery for the critical waterway, which handles about 6% of global maritime trade, ensuring smoother operations for shippers worldwide.
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