Hapag-Lloyd warns Panama Canal restrictions are disrupting shipping

Hapag-Lloyd has warned customers of ongoing operational challenges at the Panama Canal , as reduced water levels continue to affect vessel transits. The carrier said the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has introduced restrictions aimed at conserving freshwater and maintaining safe operations. The measures include lower daily transit capacity, additional draft restrictions and tighter limits on vessel passages. Transit slots become harder to secure According to Hapag-Lloyd, reduced canal capacity is making it more difficult for shipping lines to secure transit slots. Draft restrictions are also limiting the amount of cargo some vessels can carry through the waterway.