More than 200 ships are in a traffic jam outside the Panama Canal, showing we can't get through a ye

[Judi Lynn]

More than 200 ships are in a traffic jam outside the Panama Canal, showing we can't get through a year without big boats getting stuck

Rebecca Cohen Aug 22, 2023, 12:38 PM CDT

More big boats stuck in small canal.

Over 200 ships are currently stuck in a major traffic jam on either side of the Panama Canal, with some ships trapped for more than three weeks waiting to get through, according to data from project44 reviewed by Insider.

Most of the vessels that are stuck are bulk cargo ships or gas carriers, according to the "Today" show.

The ships are stuck due to an unprecedented drought taking hold in Panama right now, the Wall Street Journal reported. The canal relies on rainwater to replenish its sources, but a lack of rain makes it difficult for boats to cross.

The Panama Canal Authority has placed a higher premium on the heaviest and largest ships that have to pass, meaning companies are able to transport fewer goods, which could lead to emptier shelves and higher prices, according to data from project44.

More:
https://www.businessinsider.com/traffic-jam-outside-panama-canal-hundreds-ships-2023-8

[brush]

1. I never knew that the canal depended on fresh water...

from Panama land sources. I thought there was some kind of system that used ocean water to fill the locks.

[malaise]

2. And the lack of rain isn't helping

The good news is that rain is on the way



There will still be problems with these huge ships but the drought has been a major issue this year.

[Marcus IM]

5. Helping who?

See my post below.

[malaise]

9. Good question

Destructive trinkets for profit

[GP6971]

3. Here's another article on it.

https://gcaptain.com/historic-drought-hot-seas-slow-panama-canal-shipping/

[malaise]

8. Thanks

[Marcus IM]

4. Bringing all that Chinese-made that puts Americans out of work.

OH! The HORRORS. Über profits delayed. Think of the Wall Street execs and stockholders.

Maybe some more price gouging will correct the bottom line ... can always be blamed on Bidenomics, no problem.

[BWdem4life]

6. Gonna have to dig it deeper!

[oldfart73]

7. When it was built, no one could imagine that a rainy, jungle country would run low on fresh water.

[Marcus IM]

10. Yes they did. Back in the 70's they buried their own research on the impact of their products. eom

[oldfart73]

11. Panama Canal products?

[Marcus IM]

12. Sorry. Big Petroleum.

They did studies in the early 70's and buried them.

[oldfart73]

13. I'm pretty sure the PC was built long before the 70s.