Container ship congestion at the Panama Canal is intensifying, with the Seaspan Benefactor reportedly paying up to US$4 million to secure a priority transit slot and avoid lengthy delays. Growing traffic, ongoing disruptions to alternative trade routes, and water-conservation measures that have reduced vessel draft limits have pushed wait times for non-reserved vessels to up to 10 days, with more than 110 ships waiting to transit the canal. Industry experts note that while the fee is unusually high for a container ship, the cost of missing scheduled connections and disrupting supply chains can far exceed the price of securing an expedited passage. With forecasts pointing to below-average rainfall and possible drought conditions, shippers are preparing for continued congestion, higher transportation costs, and additional canal-related surcharges.
