![International Bulk Journal](https://www.ibj-online.com/images/international-bulk-journal.png)
![Menu](https://www.ibj-online.com/images/showmobnav-bg.png)
(Posted on 04/09/23)
Record year-on-year declines in rainfall has been identified as the ‘likely culprit’ for the Panama Canal drought, as water levels are likely to remain exceptionally low for months, despite forecasted short-term improvements.
Isaac Hankes, Senior Weather Analyst at London Stock Exchange Group, comments:
“The Panama Canal is experiencing major, ongoing disruptions in the shipping supply chain due to restrictions on traffic related to very low water levels. This is the result of drought conditions that rapidly developed from the beginning of the year through June and have held steady since that time. In fact, 2023 is off to the driest start during January-July since 2015, which had a similar rainfall rate (see figure below). Furthermore, this represents a departure from a long-term wetter trend as reflected by data from 1981-present.
“While the low rainfall rate itself is not historic in nature over the long-term, 2023 does show the largest decline in rainfall rate year over year on the record. This sudden drying after a wet 2022 is the likely culprit for the rapid drop in canal water levels.
“There has been a slight improvement in rainfall over the past two months, which has resulted in a stabilization of Panama Cana water levels after months of sharp declines. However, rains have not increased enough to raise water levels or to lessen the drought; rather a worsening scenario was simply avoided.
“The forecast through the next two weeks does show a more significant period of high rainfall that could finally start to raise water levels in the canal. Unfortunately, high rainfall is likely to be temporary, as the second half of September is likely to feature widespread dryness once again across Panama. Furthermore, season forecast guidance through the end of the year suggests that dry weather could persist. This means that Panama Canal water levels are likely to remain exceptionally low for months ahead yet despite short-term improvements in the forecast.”
INTERCARGO, the association of dry bulk shipping companies, has released the following statement:&ldquo... Read more
ITOCHU Corporation, ClassNK, Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd., and Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (... Read more
The Women's International Shipping & Trading Association UK (WISTA UK) marked its 50th anniversary... Read more
Accidents onboard ships are not decreasing, according to latest accident statistics submitted to the... Read more
Solutions must be in place to help ship owners with navigating the complex challenges of complying with... Read more
Diversity and nurturing talent is high on the agenda for BCS Group – Boers Crew Services as it... Read more
With discussions regarding the IMO’s (International Maritime Organization) Carbon Intensity Indicator... Read more
The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), the professional body for the commercial shipping industry... Read more
Columbia Group and Crowley have signed a strategic cooperation agreement that broadens both companies... Read more
The 2024 edition of The Future of Maritime Safety Report from Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, reveals... Read more