STORYLINE:

The Panama Canal Authority announced on Wednesday that it will cap daily vessel transits and change the allocation of daily auction slots from September amid reduced rainfall across the canal watershed caused by the El Nino phenomenon.

According to the official notice, the daily number of available transit slots will be lowered to 34 from September 3, and further reduced to 32 per day from September 15.

The canal authority said the measures are aimed at conserving water and ensuring safe operations, warning that further adjustments could follow if rainfall levels remain below historical averages.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

FILE: Panama - May 2024 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)

1. Sign of Panama Canal

FILE: Panama City, Panama - Jan 22-26, 2025 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)

2. Various of national flag of Panama

FILE: Panama - Date Unknown (Courtesy of Panama Canal Authority - No access Chinese mainland)

3. Aerial shots of vessels in Panama Canal waters

FILE: Panama - Date Unknown (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)

4. Various of ships, boats, waterway of Panama Canal

FILE: Panama - May 2024 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)

5. Aerial shots of vessels in Panama Canal waters