Panama Canal trims vessel passage quota again to deal with severe drought

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has announced that daily ship crossings on the Panama Canal will be reduced by one due to a severe drought. The ACP has implemented various passage restrictions to conserve water, including cutting vessel draft and daily passage authorizations. The new rules will be implemented from November 1st, with nine ships passing through the Neopanamax lock and 22 through the Panamax lock each day. The ACP will also offer a new schedule to reduce waiting times for vessels. Experts warn of possible disruptions to maritime trade due to the ongoing water crisis.