Panama Canal records a marginal rise in shipping traffic

Posted on May 14, 2024   |  

Recent alleviation of drought conditions triggers an increase in shipping activity within the Panama Canal.

Ship arrivals totaled 739 in April, down from 1,026 the previous year, with a low of 692 observed in February.

Record-low water levels in Lake Gatún due to the drought led to disruptions and a backlog of ships awaiting transit.

Despite Panama's reputation for abundant rainfall, reduced precipitation linked to El Niño and warming Pacific Ocean temperatures affected the region.

In 2023, annual rainfall decreased by about a quarter compared to historical averages, marking the third driest year on record for Panama.

Effective management by the Panama Canal Authority mitigated severe consequences for surrounding communities during the unprecedented drought period.