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 Gatun and Alhajuela lakes.

The 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. Canal authorities said only a small number of vessels that regularly use the waterway were temporarily banned.

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

The canal authority said vessels will be restricted to a maximum draft of 11.89 m starting September 8. The limit will be reduced to 11.73 m 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)