Securing Water Supply for Panama Canal Operations

Cargo ships are currently carrying less cargo due to weight restrictions, making them lighter and requiring less water to lift them through the Panama Canal. Ensuring sufficient water supply is crucial to avoid recurrent issues and maintain competitiveness in maritime transit. The average cost for a vessel to pass through the Panama Canal is around $260,000 to $760,000. Concerns exist that customers may seek alternative routes if water scarcity affects canal operations, impacting global trade involving major users like Japan, China, and the US. Security of water supply is essential to prevent disruptions in shipping routes and maintain the competitiveness of the Panama Canal.