News / Panama Canal headaches not so painful for box ships, but costs will rise

Photo: Panama Canal Authority

Containerships are proving less vulnerable to Panama Canal draught restrictions than other shipping sectors, but the resulting overall supply chain costs are expected to be significant.  

Daily transit and weight restrictions have been imposed on ships transiting the canal since last March in a bid to preserve water levels after drops caused by higher temperatures, a delayed rainy season and the El Nino weather phenomenon.  

On 1 January, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) increased the number of transit slots up ...