RESTRICTIONS on the draft of ships passing through the Panama Canal will come into effect April 18  said The Canal Authority (ACP)  on Monday March 21.

The  temporary restrictions are  due to the effects of climate phenomenon El Niño.
"El Niño changes the pattern of rainfall in many regions of the planet, with the consequent drought in the basin of the Canal, which has brought Lakes  Gatun and Alhajuela below their average levels for this time," said an  ACP press release.

The company said that that if the there is sufficient  rainfall in the coming weeks, the restriction will be suspended .
The Maximum allowable draft will be  11.89 meters w (39.0 feet) in tropical freshwater. The ACP said the maximum permissible draft is defined by the deepest point of immersion specific to each ship on Lake Gatun.
Vessels with a greater draft on or before March 21, will not have to follow the draft restriction, subject to security considerations. Ships loaded after March 21 must comply with the measure.
Draft restrictions will be implemented decreasingly 15 centimeters (six inches) with each restriction announced at least four weeks in advance. to allow users "adequate planning" of routes.