Indian vessels stuck in the Panama Canal

As the Panama Canal will have restrictions on its daily vessel transit for another 10 months amidst a prolonged drought, experts associated with the waterway say this is not good news

- SHANTANU GUHA RAY

Information reaching the national capital here indicate extending the restrictions would allow the canal some room to preserve water before the next rainy season. This is a peak season because December is approaching and merchandise for Christmas is moving fast.

Water levels in the canal have not recovered enough and limits on daily transit and vessel draft will stay in place for the rest of the year and throughout 2024, the waterway’s authority has said. This is an alarming situation.

The global waterway handles an estimated 5% of world trade. If the situation remains the same, there will be expensive freight costs ahead of the approaching Christmas season.

Some of the shipping companies are paying astronomical charges to beat the congestion, says a report in Business Insider. “A $2.4 million price tag was the winning bid for an auction held by the canal authorities for vessels to secure slots to sail through the waterway,” the newsmagazine said in a report. The containers are stuffed with items including furniture, building material, and consumer goods. Some carry oil, gas, and grain. The Panama Canal is a vital gateway for global shipping. An estimated $270 billion worth of cargo passes along the canal each year en route to over 170 countries.