RESTRICTIONS on the size of vessels transiting the Panama Canal have been lifted before they began.

The announcement came from the Canal Authority (ACP) on Thursday, August 28.The restrictions were supposed to kick in on September  8 due to the effects of a drought blamed on the  El Niño phenomenon.

The ACP said  that, although the level of Gatun Lake is still below normal for the time of the year, the amount of rain in recent days has made it possible to suspend the announced restrictions but warned that restrictions could still be implemented if the weather changes. Restrictions have to be announced four weeks in advance to give shipping companies enough time to adjust their schedules.
Forecasts estimate that the El Niño phenomenon will last until the first quarter of 2016.