Maersk chooses a rail solution to navigate Panama drought challenges
Posted on January 15, 2024 |
Maersk adjusts its OC1 service due to ongoing water challenges in the Panama Canal, opting for a land bridge with rail transport.
Vessels that previously used the canal will now bypass it, creating separate loops for Atlantic and Pacific routes.
The modification changes cargo drop-offs and pickups, with Pacific vessels turning at Balboa, Panama, and Atlantic vessels at Manzanillo.
Maersk ensures no delays for northbound vessels stopping in Philadelphia and Charleston but cautions of potential southbound vessel delays.
The Panama Canal Authority increased daily transits to 24 this month, addressing low water levels in Gatun Lake.
The updated transit slots replace earlier forecasts of 20 slots for January and 18 for February.
Canal restrictions, in place for over 6 months due to water challenges, respond to Gatun Lake's unusually low water levels.