Panama drought prompts CMA CGM to impose surcharge from Jan 1

The Panama Canal, a crucial conduit for global maritime trade, is implementing stringent measures in response to a severe drought that has led to operational challenges and increased tariffs. Shipping giant CMA CGM announced today it will levy a $150 per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) surcharge on all its cargo passing through the canal starting January 1st, 2024.

The persistent dry conditions have forced the Panama Canal Authority to lower the maximum allowable draft of vessels transiting the canal from 14.94 meters to 13.41 meters. This change signifies that ships must either lighten their loads or seek alternative routes, potentially disrupting global supply chains.

In addition to the surcharge, CMA CGM’s operations will be further impacted by a 30% reduction in vessel transits and Neopanamax lock bookings, as the canal authority strives to conserve water. These cutbacks are set to take effect on the same day as the surcharge implementation.

The ongoing drought has been exacerbated by insufficient rainfall, leading to ineffective water conservation measures. These environmental challenges underscore the vulnerability of global shipping lanes to climate-related events and the direct costs they impose on logistics companies and, ultimately, consumers.

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