It will take several months for the Channel to return to normal

After a difficult year for the Panama Canal, which forced it to limit the passage of vessels, it is expected to stop sooner February 2025 normalization will return, Interoceanic Highway Manager Ricaurte Vásquez reported.

Quoted by international agencies, Vásquez pointed out that in the medium term “all the indications we have received point to a mild La Niña, which could start in March and April and more likely to the intensity of La Niña increases in July and AugustVásquez said.

In Panama, La Niña is characterized by rainy season with more precipitation than expected which, if well used, would help the Canal.

However, Vásquez doesn’t believe that the maritime industry “can adapt so quickly” new reality.

The level of the lakes that feed the Panama Canal has improved and Alajuela It went from 62 meters in May 2023, the worst record of the year, to 72 meters.

Lake Gatun It grew from 24.1 meters in July 2023 to 24.5 meters today.

This is currently allowed daily passage of 27 ships through the Panama Canal, approaching its usual rate of more than 36.

This crisis led to the proposal of alternatives so that the sea route could use other sources of water, such as Indian RiverHowever, there is still no word on any firm decision that could finalize this project.

Studies on this possibility are advanced and estimate that, if there are no problems and it is authorized, it could be a reality in the future. at the beginning of the next decade.