The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) is introducing second draft restrictions effective April 29th, 2016 for all vessels transiting the canal amid dry weather conditions brought about by the El Niño.
El Niño has triggered a drought in the Canal Watershed, causing the water level of Gatun Lake to fall substantially below its average for this time of the year.
As a result, the maximum authorized transit draft will be set at 11.74 meters of Tropical Fresh Water (TFW).
Based on the ACP’s announcement, vessels loaded after April 1, 2016 shall comply with the draft restriction. In addition, vessels arriving with drafts over 11.74 meters TFW may be allowed transit after April 29th depending on the level of Gatun Lake at the time of the transit.
ACP said that the vessels already loaded to the prevailing draft limitation at the time of the announcement will have their restriction waived for transit, subject to safety considerations.
The restriction follows the one announced in March when the maximum authorized transit draft was to be set at 11.89 m TFW effective April 18.