Move will affect an important route for global trade
The drought-hit Panama Canal will maintain restrictions on the passage of ships for one year, a measure that has already led to a marine traffic jam as boats line up to enter the crucial waterway linking two oceans. Photograph: Ivan PISARENKO / AFPThe number of ships allowed to cross the Panama Canal each day will be slashed in the coming months as climate change increasingly rocks global trade.
The canal authority said October was the driest in the region since 1950, partly fuelled by the El Niño phenomenon, which warms the Pacific Ocean and affects temperature and rainfall around the world. The reservoir system that supplies the canal also provides drinking water for almost half the country’s population.
In August analysts were already concerned about the potential disruption to container shipping caused by the reduction in crossings, and the latest restrictions will begin to take hold in the run-up to the busy Christmas shopping period. The canal’s most important route is between countries in Asia such as China and the east coast of the US, and sees a vast array of goods pass through from petroleum products to vehicle parts and grains.
It said it would expect delays of about two to three days, meaning it would still be faster than the Suez Canal for most Asian shipments. “Heavy and time-critical cargo should consider routing via the US or Canadian West Coast or utilising rail or trucking services.”
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