Panama Canal to ban large tonnage ships

(Baonghean.vn) - AP news agency quoted a source from the Panama Canal Authority on August 7 saying that next month the canal will limit the size of ships passing through due to the impact of a drought that has lowered water levels on the Gatun and Alhajuela lakes.

Panama Canal seen from above. Photo: Telegraph.

The weather-related restrictions, the first in nearly 20 years, began on September 8 and were expected by shipping lines. The canal authority said only a small number of vessels that regularly use the waterway were temporarily banned.

Rainfall to the reservoirs in the middle of the canal has been reduced sharply due to the impact of the El Nino weather phenomenon, causing the water levels in the reservoirs to drop. A similar problem occurred in 1997-1998.

The canal authority said ships will be restricted to a maximum draft of 11.89 metres (37.6 feet) starting on September 8. The limit will be reduced to 11.73 metres (37.6 feet) on September 16, the source added.

It is known that only about 5-6 ships out of 36 currently using this canal will be affected.

Thu Giang

(According to AP)