El Niño Disaster Intensifies, Ship Transits Begin to Face Restrictions

Severe El Niño is forcing the Panama Canal Authority to limit vessel transits to 34 per day, reducing further to 32 starting from 15 September 2026.

From Friday (4/9/2026), the number of transits is restricted to 34 ships per day, then dropping to 32 ships starting 15 September. Previously, an average of 35-36 ships were able to traverse the Panama Canal daily.

These restrictions were implemented after rainfall from May to August 2026 was recorded at 34% below the historical average. Meanwhile, water flow from the catchment areas plummeted to 44% below normal levels, with June being the driest month ever recorded.

Panama Canal Administrator Ricaurte Vasquez stated that this year’s El Niño has the potential to last longer than previous occurrences. This condition has prompted authorities to reintroduce capacity restrictions similar to those implemented during the 2023-2024 drought.

Authorities have also postponed plans to reduce the maximum allowable draught limits. This measure allows ships that continue to transit to carry more cargo to offset the reduced number of daily passages.

Previously, in May, Panama Canal management had promised not to limit ship transits this year. However, the worsening weather conditions and El Niño forecasts, which could further suppress rainfall, have led to this policy change in order to maintain the sustainability of the shipping lane and the local water supply.