The Panama Canal would face transit difficulties, at least until 2025.

The well-known transit restrictions in the Panama Canal, due to the prolonged drought, could continue until February of next year. According to statements by the road administrator, Ricaurte Vásquez, to The Associated Press, the limit of 24 daily transits is expected to be maintained until April of this year, in contrast to the usual 36-38 under normal conditions.

In addition, Vásquez pointed out that the return to normality will depend largely on rainfall, which could increase the level of the lakes essential for the operation of the canal. However, full recovery is not expected until around 2025.

To have a better understanding of the situation, a weather forecast will be made between March 15 and 20, with a reliability level of 75%. This will allow the scenario for the next 45 days to be assessed more accurately and determine the measures necessary to adapt to changing conditions.

The future of the Canal

It is anticipated that a comprehensive analysis will be carried out in the next six months to provide a clearer view on the expected traffic volume and possible fluctuations. This information will be crucial for the operational management and long-term planning of the channel.

In addition to climate challenges, the canal faces obstacles of a political nature. Although the canal administration proposed long-term measures, such as defining the Canal Watershed and modifying restrictions for the construction of new reservoirs, the current Panamanian government does not plan to address these issues before its end on June 30. Meanwhile, meetings are taking place with presidential candidates for the May 5 elections, with the aim of seeking long-term alternatives to resolve structural challenges.