Panama Canal Calls off Drought Restrictions

Due to recent El Niño-related drought that caused water shortages in Panama, and lower water levels in the Canal, the Panama Canal planned to restrict the draft (the depth of ships).

This would have forced some large vessels to leave some of their load behind. The Canal Authority said about 18.5% of ships could have been affected.

However recent rains and water conservation efforts have allowed the restrictions, which would have began September 8th, to be lifted.