Business

Panama canal to reduce shipping as El Niño strikes vital route

The Guardian Business · 21 August 2026 at 03:21

Panama canal to reduce shipping as El Niño strikes vital route

Further restrictions on shipping lane possible as Central America gripped by severe drought The Panama canal will cut the number of ships passing through it starting next month because of drought caused by the El Niño phenomenon, the operator of the strategic waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific said Thursday.

From 3 September, the number of vessels allowed through each day will fall from 36 to 34 due to low water levels in two artificial lakes that feed the canal, the Panama Canal Authority said.

From 15 September, the number of ships permitted will drop to 32.

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Panama canal to reduce shipping as El Niño strikes vital route

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