Drought : restriction in the Panama Canal
On April 18th, the authorities of Panama canal announced the draught limitation. Due to drought, the lake Gatun that supply the sea route, have low water levels. This decision affects large container ships which will now have to respect a maximum draught of 14.32 m compared to 15.25 m previously.
Although the seaway is located in one of rainiest regions, this decision was taken because of the drought. This has already happened five times since the beginning of the year. A worrying assessment for a seaway through which 3.5% of world maritime trade passes.
Unlike the Suez Canal, it is not salt but fresh water that enters the Panama Canal. Thus, several tons of fresh water are wasted when passing through the locks.
