A drought is severely threatening shipping in the Panama Canal. In fact, the level of the two artificial lakes, Lake Alhajuela and Lake Gatun, that supply it with the water needed to operate the locks has dropped below the safety threshold.
This is also why the Panama Canal Authority has announced new restrictions on access to the inter-oceanic route.
From 24th May only ships with a maximum draught of 13.56 metres will be allowed to transit. This limit will be further lowered to a draught of 13.41 metres from 30th May.
The Loadstar pointed out that the major carriers specializing in container shipping are already running for cover, announcing to their customers the introduction of new surcharges for shipments passing through the canal.
Hapag Lloyd has announced that it will up its Panama Canal Charge by 500 dollars per container as of 1st June. All shipments from Asia via the Canal to the US East Coast will be hit by the surcharge.
Translation by Giles Foster
