Panama Canal water levels to remain exceptionally low for months
(Posted on 04/09/23)
Record year-on-year declines in rainfall has been identified as the ‘likely culprit’ for the Panama Canal drought, as water levels are likely to remain exceptionally low for months, despite forecasted short-term improvements.
Isaac Hankes, Senior Weather Analyst at London Stock Exchange Group, comments:
“The Panama Canal is experiencing major, ongoing disruptions in the shipping supply chain due to restrictions on traffic related to very low water levels. This is the result of drought conditions that rapidly developed from the beginning of the year through June and have held steady since that time. In fact, 2023 is off to the driest start during January-July since 2015, which had a similar rainfall rate (see figure below). Furthermore, this represents a departure from a long-term wetter trend as reflected by data from 1981-present.
“While the low rainfall rate itself is not historic in nature over the long-term, 2023 does show the largest decline in rainfall rate year over year on the record. This sudden drying after a wet 2022 is the likely culprit for the rapid drop in canal water levels.
“There has been a slight improvement in rainfall over the past two months, which has resulted in a stabilization of Panama Cana water levels after months of sharp declines. However, rains have not increased enough to raise water levels or to lessen the drought; rather a worsening scenario was simply avoided.
“The forecast through the next two weeks does show a more significant period of high rainfall that could finally start to raise water levels in the canal. Unfortunately, high rainfall is likely to be temporary, as the second half of September is likely to feature widespread dryness once again across Panama. Furthermore, season forecast guidance through the end of the year suggests that dry weather could persist. This means that Panama Canal water levels are likely to remain exceptionally low for months ahead yet despite short-term improvements in the forecast.”
Latest News
Maritime appetite for cyber risk higher than other industries
(Posted on 20/11/24)A new report published by DNV reveals that the majority (61%) of maritime professionals believe the... Read more
NorthStandard adjusts for future with precautionary premiums increase
(Posted on 20/11/24)The return of higher claim volumes during 2024, increased exposure to larger claims, and continuing... Read more
ClassNK ELW on improving seafarers’ living conditions for Tokei Kaiun bulker
(Posted on 12/11/24)ClassNK has granted its ‘ELW (HP)’ (Excellent Living and Working Environment (Hydroponics... Read more
FONASBA elects new President and Board
(Posted on 12/11/24)The Federation of National Associations of Ship Brokers and Agents (FONASBA) has held its annual meeting... Read more
10,000 cadets benefit from Sailors’ Society virtual conferences
(Posted on 12/11/24)Record-breaking numbers of cadets and ratings from across the globe have attended the 2024 Sailors&rsquo... Read more
Algoma’s stronger quarter signals promising close to the year
(Posted on 04/11/24)Algoma Central Corporation has reported its results for the three and nine months ended September 30... Read more
Urgent need for updated medical guide for ships
(Posted on 04/11/24)Marine Medical Solutions, a key player in maritime healthcare, is raising awareness to the urgent need... Read more
KCC makes move into wind with bound4blue eSAIL system on newbuild
(Posted on 31/10/24)A subsidiary of Klaveness Combination Carriers ASA (“KCC”) has entered into an agreement... Read more
KCC makes move into wind with bound4blue eSAIL system on newbuild
(Posted on 31/10/24)A subsidiary of Klaveness Combination Carriers ASA (“KCC”) has entered into an agreement... Read more
Partnership to launch maritime Know-Your-Customer data platform
(Posted on 31/10/24)Baltic Exchange has launched a Know-Your-Customer (KYC) platform to give the maritime sector greater... Read more
