Efforts failed

Despite significant effort and substantial display of resources, sustained heavy arrivals continue to hamper the Panama Canal Administration's ability to reduce the backlog, which currently exceeds 100 ships, GAC reports.

Non-booked ships are presently facing delays in excess of 5-7 days and the situation is not expected to improve in the immediate future. Projections based on historic records indicate heavy arrivals will continue into the

month of April and could possibly extend into May. With this considered any significant improvement in the general condition of the Canal could be 2-3 months away.

Current average delays are as follows:

PANAMAX:

- Northbound: 5 days

- Southbound: 6-7 days

REGULAR/UNRESTRICTED VESSELS:

- Northbound: 5-6 days

- Southbound: 5-6 days

Source: Transportweekly