Ships Are Backed Up at the Panama Canal Because of Historic Drought
- Shrinking water levels are forcing vessels to part-load
- The vital waterway handles container goods, crops and energy
A cargo ship sails toward the Pacific Ocean after its transit though the Panama Canal.
Photographer: Arnulfo Franco/APThis article is for subscribers only.
One of the world’s most potent symbols of global trade — the Panama Canal — is falling victim to climate change as shrinking water levels force ships to part-load in order to navigate the vital waterway.
Vessels have been waiting almost four days on average at the waterway that creates a shortcut between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, according to Clarkson Research Services, a unit of the world’s largest shipbroker. That compares with a little more than a day two months ago. Some ships have even had delays of as many as 20 days.