The Panama Canal will postpone its latest and sixth draught reduction to 12 June after rainfall last week. However, despite the fact that this rainfall prevent another draught reduction, more rains will be necessary if it is not to apply on 12 June.
If there is not a significant improvement on the Canal’s Gatun Lake and Madden Lake, the Maximum Authorised Draught will be for ships sailing through the the neo-panamax locks, to 13.11metres (43 ft), applying from 12 June down. This is a reduction from 13.41 metres (44 ft) Tropical Fresh Water (TFW) which is in effect since 30 April.
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Speaking on this development, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) informed that it will continue to monitor the level of Gatun Lake and will announce future draught adjustments.
Panama Canala experiences low water levels because of at least four month with nearly zero precipitation. Namely, this season is considered as the driest in the history of the canal.
Draught adjustments will be announced in 30.5cm decrements, at least four weeks in advance.