Part 5/8:
The Panama Canal is currently grappling with significant drought conditions. The reliance on fresh water from Gatun Lake for its lock system means that prolonged dry spells lead to reduced capacity for ships to transit, forcing authorities to limit the number of vessels passing through the canal. Climate phenomena such as El Niño exacerbate this water shortage, while global warming continues to alter weather patterns.
The issues extend to congestion as well. Modern cargo vessels are growing larger, and as trade increases, the canal's ability to handle this volume is strained. Delays often exceed ten hours, pushing companies towards alternatives that promise greater reliability.