The Panama Canal Authority is reducing daily booking slots amid concerns that the developing El Nino weather phenomenon could once again negatively impact water resources and disrupt traffic on one of the world’s most critical shipping routes.
According to sea-news.az that according to shipping agency Norton Lilly, starting from July 25, short-term “Period 3” slot auctions offered 96 to 48 hours prior to transit for regular and Super Panamax vessels will be suspended until further notice.
This decision will reduce daily booking capacity from 36 vessels to 34. However, auctions for Neopanamax vessels will continue. In addition, extra auctions will be held when vessels cancel their transit or change their scheduled transit date.
“Period 3” slots are offered 96 to 48 hours before transit and are of particular importance for vessels that have not booked in advance or operate on tight schedules. Norton Lilly warned that vessels affected by this change may face greater difficulty securing transit slots, and therefore more flexibility must be considered in voyage planning.
It is expected that demand will further increase for “Period 1” slots, which can be booked up to a year in advance of transit, as well as “Period 2” slots offered 21 days prior to transit.
The latest decision is the next step taken following the reduction of the maximum allowed draft in the canal on July 1.
The Panama Canal Authority had implemented similar measures during the drought experienced in 2023–2024. During that period, the number of daily transits was reduced, draft restrictions were imposed, double-lock operations were introduced, and water-saving measures were taken.
Currently, waiting times remain at a manageable level. As of July 21, 16 vessels without advance bookings were waiting in the transit queue. The average waiting time over the past 28 days was 2.4 days in the northbound direction and 4 days in the southbound direction.
