Canalul Panama reduce drastic traficul pe fondul secetei provocate de fenomenul El Nino

The El Niño phenomenon is forcing Panama to further reduce the number of ships allowed to transit the canal, a crucial global trade route. In September, daily crossings were cut from 36 to 32, and a new proposal aims to lower this to 29.5 by October, marking an 18% decrease from August. The Panama Canal, which connects the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean, is vital for international shipping, handling about 5% of global maritime trade. The canal's lock system relies on freshwater from rivers feeding Gatun Lake, and low water levels necessitate restrictions on ship size and numbers for safety and water conservation. The ongoing drought and the intensifying El Niño are complicating the situation, with potential impacts on shipping costs and routes.