It is not just the drought in Panama that is having an effect on shipping.
A Greek MR tanker has gone aground in Brazil due to low water levels in the Guajara Canal.
MercoPress cited Brazilian authorities as saying Minerva Marine’s 51,000-dwt Minerva Rita (built 2005) got stuck in the Tabocal region of the Amazon.
Photos taken by a passenger on a nearby cruise ship showed the tanker listing to port.
The Liberia-flag ship was carrying 18,000 cbm of naphtha and 8,500 cbm of petrol from Manaus to a refinery in Itacoatiara.
No casualties were reported and pollution prevention measures were in place.
The Brazilian Navy said the accident occurred when the Minerva Rita moved through a shallow area due to the drought in the canal.
Ship navigation in the region has not been affected.
AIS data showed the vessel at anchor in the canal on Sunday.
The report said the site of the incident is now considered a critical point for the transit of big vessels due to the water levels.
Around 20 larger ships are waiting for floodwaters to attempt a passage.
Tanks not damaged
The REAM refinery was asked by the Brazilian Institute for the Environment & Renewable Natural Resources to provide detailed information on the product on board.
The grounding is believed to have happened early last week.
Officials from the institute’s environmental emergency division inspected the Minerva Rita on Wednesday. Tanks were found to be undamaged.
“An investigation will be launched to ascertain the causes, circumstances and possible culprits,” the navy said.
“As soon as it is concluded, and the legal formalities have been completed, the investigation will be forwarded to the Maritime Court, which will distribute and file the appropriate charges.”
Minerva Marine has been contacted for further information.
The tanker has not been detained after a port state control inspection since 2009.
Insurance cover is provided by the Standard P&I Club in the UK.
