Panama temporarily restricts draft of vessels in the canal

Reuters: The Panama Canal Authority will temporarily lower the maximum draft of ships passing through the canal, due to droughts caused by El Nino, authorities said on Friday.

Starting on 8 September, the greatest draft allowed will be 39 feet (11.89 m), down from the current maximum of 39.5 feet (12.04 m), the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) said.

The change could affect about 20% of ships that use this route, ACP records show.

If the droughts persist, authorities said they could further reduce the draft to 38.5 feet (11.73 m), starting on 16 September.