What is El Niño's impact on Panama Canal water levels?

El Niño cuts rainfall to Panama's watershed, dropping Gatun Lake levels and forcing shallower drafts—slashing ship slots by up to 36%, as in 2023.

Why is Evergreen ordering 24,000-TEU ships now?

To cut fuel costs per TEU and handle surging transpacific volumes amid Red Sea chaos, betting on efficiency despite canal risks.

Absolutely—last drought tripled rates; expect Q4 spikes if El Niño hits hard.

🚚 Logistics & Freight

Panama Canal transits dropped 36% last drought—now El Niño looms. Evergreen's counterpunch: six 24,000-TEU behemoths. Smart hedge or risky bet?

Supply Chain Beat Apr 11, 2026 4 min read

Evergreen orders six 24,000-TEU vessels to bolster fleet amid global disruptions 𝕏
El Niño forecast raises Panama Canal low-water risks by year-end 𝕏
Shippers face rerouting chaos, higher rates—diversify now 𝕏

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Informed capital. Intelligent coverage.

#24,000-TEU vessels #El Niño forecast #El Niño shipping #El Niño shipping risk #El Niño shipping risks #Evergreen Marine #Evergreen ships #Panama Canal #Panama Canal drought #container ship orders #container vessel orders

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Originally reported by JOC Journal of Commerce