The 82 km long Panama Canal, which experienced a severe drought in 2023 and 2024 due to the El Niño weather phenomenon, was able to maintain operations with a maximum draught of 15.24 meters during this year’s dry season.
According to canal administrator Ricaurte Vásquez Morales, the remainder of the year is expected to see a relatively wet rainy season. Good conditions to prepare for the next dry period at the beginning of 2026.
“The transportation of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and containers has increased, and bulk cargo has also recovered compared to the previous year,” said Vásquez in a market update this week. “Overall, we expect the Panama Canal to evolve into a more diversified facility that can serve the world not only through shipping but also through all related services,” Vásquez added.
Meanwhile, the canal authority PCA is moving ahead with a major expansion project: a new reservoir is being built at a cost of 1.6 billion dollars. Once completed, it will allow 15 additional ship transits per day.
