Norton Lilly said the Panama Canal Authority (PCA) will suspend the daily
auction for the third transit slot for Panamax locks from July 25 until further
notice due to current and projected Gatun Lake water levels. Daily booking
capacity has been cut from 36 to 34 transits. PCA said the move reflects current
hydrological conditions and the potential development of El Nifio; a prior El
Nifio episode drained the canal's freshwater supply and forced daily transit
limits.
