The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) announced on a Friday that it will restrict the daily transit of ships from 36 to 32 for the second time in its history due to a severe drought caused by the El Niño phenomenon. ^[1] The Panama Canal restricted daily ship transits to 34 vessels starting on Friday to conserve fresh water. ^[2] Erick Córdoba, the canal's hydro-meteorology manager, noted that there are no signs of short-term recovery for the water levels. ^[3] Ilya Espino de Marotta, who is set to assume leadership of the canal on Monday, described the current hydrological conditions as 'challenging' due to the possibility of a strong El Niño event. ^[4] The canal, which connects the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, relies on freshwater stored in artificial lakes Gatún and Alhajuela, and the current rainfall deficit is 35.8% below the historical average between April and August. ^[5] Ilya Espino de Marotta, the incoming administrator of the canal, stated that the drought conditions could extend until mid-2027. ^[6] Rainfall between April and August 2026 recorded a cumulative deficit of 35.8% compared to historical averages, with no short-term signs of recovery. ^[7] The maximum authorized draft for vessels passing through the canal was lowered from 15.24 meters to 14.63 meters to conserve water reserves. ^[8] In the morning of Thursday, 99 ships were queued to cross the navigable passage connecting the Atlantic and the Pacific. ^[9] Sources from the Panama Canal told EFE on Thursday that 35 transits were planned for the day, with the reduction to 34 officially beginning on Friday. ^[10] The restriction aims to save fresh water provided by two artificial lakes that are suffering from a lack of rainfall associated with the El Niño phenomenon. ^[11]