2 gas tankers traveled across the Pacific but U-turned just short of the Panama Canal because low water levels have created a traffic jam

Business Insider ^ | Nov 7, 2023 | Aruni Soni

[where's_the_Outrage?]

Two gas tankers crossed the Pacific, then U-turned within 10 miles of the Panama Canal, Bloomberg reported.

An intense drought has lowered the canal's water level, limiting the number of ships that can pass through.

That has created a massive backlog of ships waiting to cross, forcing some to seek alternate routes.

Two gas tankers crossed the Pacific Ocean, but recently took a U-turn just short of the Panama Canal because of the huge traffic jam caused by low water levels, Bloomberg reported.

The tankers, Pyxis Pioneer and the Sunny Bright, were within 10 miles of the canal before they changed course, according to ship-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg.

Their destinations were unclear, but the vessels, which can transport roughly 158,000 cubic meters of liquefied petroleum gas, were empty after delivering their cargoes in Asia.

One tanker that U-turned was signaling a course towards Houston, the report said, suggesting it will bypass the traffic jam at the Panama Canal with a massive detour all the way around South America to get to the US Gulf Coast.

[where's_the_Outrage?]

No sure why this is such a big deal, all they need to do is go north to the northwest passage global warming has opened. / sarc

When I was stationed there I remember the Canal Zone rooting out farming squatters to ensure the jungle environment remained stable to keep the rains. This should be the middle of the Panama rainy season now.

[Hot Tabasco]

When I was stationed there

When were you there and which base?

[RoosterRedux]

Impossible. According to the authority on such matters, Saint Greta of Thunberg, the oceans are rising at an alarming level, hence the Panama Canal is overflowing its banks.

[Jim Noble]

Isn’t one end higher than the other?

Isn’t that why they have locks?

Why doesn’t the higher ocean fill it? There’s lots of water in the ocean, no?

[MNDude]

That was my thought. Isn’t it filled with Ocean water?

[SisterK]

that is the craziness of it all
ocean on both sides but the canal is filled (or not) by a fresh water lake

[MNDude]

I learned something new;

“But dwindling water levels in the Gatun Lake, which feeds into the waterway”

[exPBRrat]

Years ago there was talk of a newer sea level canal.

[where's_the_Outrage?]

“Years ago there was talk of a newer sea level canal.”

LOL, yup like over 100, the original plan was to have a sea level canal, but then Teddy was talked in to going with locks.

[MNDude]

I asked ChatGPT:

The Panama Canal does use ocean water, but it uses it in a controlled and strategic manner. The canal relies on a system of locks to raise and lower ships as they pass through the canal, and freshwater from Gatun Lake is used in these locks.

Using ocean water directly in the locks could lead to several problems:

1. Corrosion: Ocean water is saltwater, which is highly corrosive. Using it directly in the locks could damage the infrastructure and equipment over time.

2. Environmental Impact: The use of ocean water directly in the locks could have a negative impact on the surrounding ecosystem. The introduction of saltwater could harm local flora and fauna.

3. Efficiency: Freshwater from Gatun Lake is a renewable resource, and it’s readily available for use in the locks. Using ocean water would require additional desalination processes and infrastructure, which could be less efficient and more costly.

By using freshwater from Gatun Lake in the locks, the Panama Canal can operate more efficiently and minimize environmental impact while still allowing ships to transit between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

[where's_the_Outrage?]

78-81, 1st at Ft Kobbe and then to Ft Clayton.

[rmichaelj]

Either side has to raise about 85 feet up to Gatun Lake. If the lake is low there isn’t enough draft for the larger tankers.

The 20 cm difference between the pacific and the Atlantic is insignificant compared to the lake level.

[2CAVTrooper]

But, but, but they said because of man made global warming the oceans are supposed to rise.🙄

[Jolla]

The rainy season in Costa Rica is ending and rainfall is down about 15% from normal. Been dry on the Carib. side but very wet on the Pacific, we have had over a foot in October alone.

[oldasrocks]

I say dig out a canal on our southern border.

[faucetman]

Why the Panama Canal is Dying

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GI0zANA3S4&ab_channel=Looking4%28En%29

The Suez Canal Experience: Ship Transit Southbound

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwdU2cYRbnM&ab_channel=ChiefMAKOi

[Hot Tabasco]

I was there from 69 - 72. First five months I was on Flamenco Island off Ft. Amador then transferred to Clayton.

I look at pictures of Flamenco and the causeway today and am in awe at how its been developed.

[Ikeon]

a canal between the us and mexico would be an awesome physical Idea, and a few thousand miles long. but operating it jointly with mexico would be a nightmare.

build another one using sea water.

[A strike]

bullShiite reasons

[bobbo666]

Gatun is obviously not renewable or else there would be no problem.