Topic
Drought
Every Vessel Hunter story on Drought: 9 stories, from 9 June 2026 to 7 October 2026. Newest: "Panama Canal opens long-term slot auctions to the Panamax locks for 2027". Each story links to the ships and ports it names, so a name in the text opens the record behind it.
Panama Canal opens long-term slot auctions to the Panamax locks for 2027
The Panama Canal is extending its long-term slot programme to the Panamax locks for the first time, offering 288 slots for January to April 2027.
Panama Canal raises neopanamax draught to 49 feet and adds a daily slot
The Panama Canal has restored a 49-foot maximum draught in the neopanamax locks and will return to ten daily neopanamax transits from 15 October, as near-average rain eases its water deficit.
Espino de Marotta Takes Charge of a Panama Canal Running Short of Water
Ilya Espino de Marotta has taken office for a seven-year term at the Panama Canal, with rainfall 34% below average and daily transit capacity falling to 32 ships from 15 September.
SK Gas Pays Record $5.3m for a Single Panama Canal Transit Slot
SK Gas has paid $5.3m for the right to move the LPG carrier G. Spirit through the Panama Canal on 1 September, setting the second Korean transit-slot record in a month.
Panama Canal Cuts Daily Transits to 32 From September 3
Daily transits drop from 34 to 32 on September 3 and fall again on September 15, with unbooked ships already waiting more than eight days to get through.
European Drought Cuts River Freight And Power Output Across Seven Countries
Water levels on Europe's two principal commercial rivers have fallen to record lows, with the Rhine dropping below twenty centimetres of navigable depth at a key reference point in early August and the Danube falling under ten
Panama Canal Slot Auction Prices Climb As Queue Lengthens
Auction prices for Panama Canal transit slots have climbed towards four million dollars as the waiting queue lengthens and lake levels continue to fall.
Romania Sinks Barges In The Danube To Keep A Nuclear Reactor Running
Romania has been sinking four barges loaded with rock into the Danube to redirect water towards a nuclear power station whose second reactor is at risk of shutting down.
Panama Canal trims vessel draft, reviving memories of the drought crisis
The Panama Canal Authority will cut the neopanamax draft limit to 49.5 ft from 3 July, citing Gatun Lake levels and El Niño risk and reviving 2023-24 drought fears.
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