The Panama Canal Authority is tightening draft limits twice in the coming weeks — lowering the maximum vessel draft to 48 feet on August 26, then to 47.5 feet on September 3 — to conserve water in Gatún Lake amid a worsening El Niño-driven drought. Lower draft means ships must carry less cargo per transit, even as the number of daily crossings stays roughly stable.

Major carriers including CMA CGM and Hapag-Lloyd have already introduced transit surcharges, with fees on some routes reaching up to $1,000 per container.

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