Panama Canal Drought Feb 16th

No More Transit Restrictions until April 2024

The Panama Canal Authority does not plan to have any more transit restrictions at least until April this year. They will maintain 24 daily transits from now until the end of dry season where the authorities will then evaluate water levels. If rains arrive in May as expected, the canal plans to progressively increase daily transits, hoping to return to about 36 vessels per day, its normal number during the rainy season. If rains fall short of expectations, the Panama Canal Authority could apply further restrictions to either the number of daily transit or draft levels.

As of March 8, 2024, The Panama Canal Authority has increased the daily number of vessels to 27.

UPDATE: Announced on April 15, 2024, The Panama Canal Authority will increase the daily number of vessels to 31 on May 16, 2024, and 32 on June 1, 2024.

Wait Times 

On February 16th there were 40 vessels (of all types) in queue waiting to transit the canal. This is the lowest number of vessels in queue that we have seen in a very long time. Typically, there are around 80-100 vessels in queue. It peaked earlier this summer when more than 160 vessels were waiting to transit the canal. Many vessels, especially tankers and LPG carriers, have elected to avoid the Panama Canal and have chosen other routings.

Multi-Modal Options

DSV has the capabilities to move your shipment from Asia, for example, to Panama then unload the container in one of our bonded warehouses. From there, we can move it out on a different vessel on the other side of the canal. DSV has bonded warehouses on both sides of the canal. We can also move it out via airfreight to anywhere in the world.

We remain committed to keeping you informed and assisting you in your business operations. Should you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your local DSV representative.

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