The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) reported in a bulletin that the average number of vessels transiting the waterway in March 2025 fell to 33.7 per day. This resulted in a total of 1,045 ships passing through the canal during the entire month of March, reports Reuters.
Lower Transits
Despite the Panama Canal Authority lifting drought-related restrictions in the third quarter of the previous year, the number of daily vessel transits in 2025 has remained below the maximum of 36 vessels allowed. This is occurring even though transit fees have been lowered. According to figures released by the Panama Canal Authority, transit fees this year are 15% lower than those recorded in the previous year.
A significant drought, which occurred between late 2023 and early 2024, compelled the Panama Canal to implement passage restrictions. These restrictions resulted in lengthy waiting times for vessels and increased transit fees.
The transit fees have been under scrutiny, particularly following concerns raised by the U.S. government earlier this year. The U.S. government expressed concerns regarding the presence of companies from China and Hong Kong near the waterway, suggesting that this presence could pose a security risk. They also indicated a potential willingness to take over the canal should such a risk be determined.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Reuters
