Maritime traffic in the Strait of Magellan has increased by more than 70% in August and September of this year compared to last year due to drought in the Panama Canal. This increase is a result of traffic restrictions in the Panama Canal caused by reduced rainfall associated with the El Niño phenomenon.
Reasons for Increased Maritime Traffic
Reduced rainfall in Central America has led to lower water levels in the Panama Canal and created restrictions on ship traffic. These restrictions have pressured shipping fleets to choose new routes for transportation. Analysts believe that geopolitical disruptions in the Middle East have also caused some operators to refrain from shipping goods from South America and West Africa to Asia, opting instead to use the Strait of Magellan.
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Climatic and Economic Impacts
The increase in traffic in the Strait of Magellan reflects the impacts of climate change and geopolitical disruptions on global trade routes. Although passing through the Strait of Magellan incurs higher fuel costs and longer distances, this toll-free passage is an attractive option for shipowners looking to reduce waiting times and transit costs in the Panama Canal.
This increase in traffic began in July and coincided with the winter season, which led to heavy snowfall in the Andes that slowed truck traffic between Chile and Argentina. This upward trend is expected to continue in the coming months, with the onset of the tourist season leading to an increase in the number of ships.
The number of vessels with registered gross weights between 60,000 and 65,000 tons passing through the Strait of Magellan has significantly increased, although the Navy has not provided further details about the types of ships. This data has been collected based on local statistics for the years 2025 and 2026.
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