The Panama Canal implemented the third of five draft adjustments, lowering it to 48.5 feet (14.78 meters), as a preventative measure against the drought caused by the El Niño phenomenon.

The country had already implemented the first adjustment on July 3 (49.5 feet) and the second on July 24 (49 feet). The next two adjustments on the schedule are planned for August 26 (48 feet) and September 3 (47.5 feet). The maximum draft permitted by the waterway is 50 feet (15.24 meters).

Implementation of the measure

“Reducing the draft means that ships must cross with less cargo, which may require logistical adjustments for customers and impact the Canal’s revenue, which is based on tonnage.”

The Canal administration indicated that between 3 % and 5 % of world trade transits the waterway, clarifying that the schedule adjustments “will not affect the number of daily crossings, which remains at an average of 36 to 37 ships.”

Authorities stated that the current decisions are part of the projections for the summer of 2027, when they estimate the draft will reach 44 feet, considering the current traffic level and rainfall forecasts.

M.Pino

Source: finanzasdigital

(Reference image source: Rikin Katyal on Unsplash)

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The arrival of El Niño, expected in the second half of the year, has already brought high temperatures to some countries, such as Mexico, this week. Climate forecasts indicate that this year this phenomenon could be devastating.

“Its full name is the El Niño-Southern Oscillation phenomenon, known as ENSO. This is a cycle with three phases: La Niña, associated with cold periods depending on the region of the world; El Niño, which translates into high temperatures; and the neutral phase, which is currently in effect,” according to meteorological centers.

Regarding El Niño, it “is triggered when the trade winds weaken, allowing the Pacific Ocean surface to warm unusually. This also reverses atmospheric pressure between the eastern and western hemispheres in the tropics.”

Data from 2024 regarding the El Niño phenomenon indicates that its magnitude ranged from moderate to strong. If its effect is more powerful in 2026, it could break a new global temperature record. In fact, estimates indicate that if the temperature increase does not occur this year, it will happen in 2027.

In any case, experiences have shown high temperatures and heavy rainfall, making proactive strategies pertinent. Some nations are already considering water storage as a responsible measure to supply the population and industry.

This is a legitimate concern, given the effects of El Niño in reducing water availability, increasing pressure on the electrical grid, and impacting productive sectors.

These characteristics accelerate the discussion of contingency plans, including conservation, consumption review, and review of available storage tanks.

M.Pino

With information from international media

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