Shipping companies are beginning to be affected by the drought in the Channel

CMA CGM, the third global container shipping companywill apply an additional fee of $150 per crossing, as it is affected by the measures of the Panama Canal, which has been forced to reduce maritime traffic due to drought.

The company admitted that The water conservation measures implemented by the Canal have seriously affected its operationsthe portal Lučki portal published.

Limitations, combined with an increase in the Panama Canal feeeffective since the beginning of the year, reduced the operations of the French company.

The adjustment that CMA CGM will make in its services start rule from next year, the company announced.

Since last November 3, the Panama Canal has been gradually reducing ship transits, until it reaches 18 per day, starting from February next year.

Currently, Only 24 ships can pass a day. and from December 1 it becomes 22.

In the second quarter of this year, the draft of the interoceanic waterway was reduced from 14.94 to 13.41 meterswhich forced a reduction in the number of ships that can cross it daily.

In this way, the Panama Canal adapts to the climatic conditions that currently dominate, with El Niño phenomenon which is getting stronger as we approach the dry season, according to data from the State Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology.

Last October, it rained 41% less than usualso Lake Gatún, the Canal’s main water supplier, has reached unprecedented levels for this time of year.