Panama Canal to Increase Daily Transits to 36 in September Following Heavy Rains

September will see the commencement of 36 daily transits via the Panama Canal thanks to persistently heavy rains, which will bring the transoceanic waterway closer to its optimal operating conditions.

When the canal is operating at full capacity, forty ships can pass through each day; however, last year's record-breaking drought limited this number. The maximum draft limitations for ships passing through the larger Neopanamax locks had to be lowered by almost two meters during this time, according to canal managers. Thankfully, these limitations have loosened with the arrival of more rain. After August 5, the number of daily transit slots on the canal will increase to 35.

The massive $1.6 billion new reservoir being built along the Indio River has a six-year timeframe set by the Panama Canal Authority. The goal of this project is to guarantee the canal's water security so that it can continue to operate at least 36 times a day in the future.