Increased water levels in the Panama Canal have sparked hopes for a return to normal operations for container shipping, which has been restricted for a year due to severe drought. While the situation is improving, experts caution that the canal is still far from its pre-restriction capacity.
Incremental Improvements in Ship Transit
The Panama Canal Authority has raised the daily number of ships allowed to pass through the canal from 24 to 31, offering some relief to shipping services. A further increase is expected by June 1, with additional transit slots for larger ships, raising the daily total to 32. However, this gradual improvement underscores the canal’s slow journey back to normalcy.
Long-term Impacts and Unpredictable Factors
Despite rising hopes, businesses must prepare for a slow recovery influenced by unpredictable factors such as rainfall. Experts warn that the drought’s effects on the Panama Canal could persist for years, making a swift return to pre-restriction levels unlikely. The path to normal operations will be gradual and fraught with uncertainties.
Did you Subscribe to our daily newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe
Source: Port News
