In Panama, a lack of water has hampered canal operations in recent years, and some shipping experts say vessels may soon have to avoid the canal altogether if the problem gets worse.
Before the water problems, as many as 38 ships a day moved through the canal, which was built by the United States and remained under its control until 2000.
The canal authority in July cut the average to 32 vessels, and later announced that the number would drop to 31 on Nov. 1.
Further reductions could come if water levels remain low.
The canal authority is also limiting how far a ship’s hull can go below the water, known as its draft, which significantly reduces the weight it can carry.
Persons:
Panama’s
Locations:
Panama, El, United States