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Panama Canal announces third draught restriction

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has announced a third draught restriction for the Canal due to drought caused by the El Niño phenomenon.

Michele Labrut, Americas Correspondent

April 15, 2016

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Effective 9 May, the maximum authorised transit draught will be set at 11.59m (38.0 feet) Tropical Fresh Water. Vessels loaded to draughts over 11.59 meters (38.0ft) on or before 11 April 2016, will have this draught restriction waived for transit, subject to safety considerations. Vessels loaded after 11 April 2016, have to comply with the draught restriction. As in the past, draught restrictions will be implemented in 15cm (six-inch) decrements at a time, with each restriction announced at least four weeks in advance.

The Panama Canal will continue to monitor and manage the water levels. The Panama Canal will eliminate these draught restrictions as soon as Gatun Lake level returns to normal. As always, these are temporary and preventive measures to ensure the continuous and safe operations of the Canal.

About the Author

Michele Labrut

Americas Correspondent

Michèle Labrut is a long-time Panama resident, a journalist and correspondent, and has continuously covered the maritime sector of Central & Latin America.

Michèle first came to Panama as a press attaché to the French Embassy and then returned to the isthmus as a foreign correspondent in the 1980s.

Author of Seatrade Maritime's annual Panama Maritime Review magazine and of several books, Michèle also wrote for Time magazine, The Miami Herald, NBC News and the Economist Intelligence Unit. She has also collaborated in making several documentaries for the BBC and European and U.S. television networks.

Michèle's profession necessitates a profound knowledge of the country, but her acumen is not from necessity alone, but a genuine passion for Panama.

In 2012 she was awarded the Order of Merit (Knight grade) by the French Government for her services to international journalism and in 2021 the upgrade to Chevalier grade.

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