In 2023, the shipping sector faced significant challenges due to climatic adversities. Looking towards 2024, it is anticipated that the situation will remain uncertain, impacted both by climatic phenomena in Peru and by complications in the global economy. Sabino Zaconeta, general manager of the Peruvian Association of Maritime Agents (APAM), identifies two main risks for national maritime transport: the possible El Niño phenomenon and the emergence of social conflicts. Internationally, concern is focused on the Panama Canal, where the drought could have significant consequences.

The decrease in the regular flow of cargo from Europe and the United States, caused by droughts in the Panama Canal, has led to a reduction in the number of ships that can pass through it, directly impacting cargo volumes and the cost of the freight. The Foreign Trade Society of Peru (ComexPerú) reports that the cost of freight experienced an increase of more than 40% between the second quarter and August 2023 due to these problems.

Rafael Zacnich, manager of Economic Studies at ComexPerú, points out that approximately 6% or 7% of world trade passes through the canal. The lack of rain during May, June and July of last year forced the Panama Canal Authority to limit the number of daily vessels, which increased maritime freight prices significantly.

While there has been an improvement in Panama Canal weather conditions recently, and freight prices have begun to stabilize, concerns remain around this critical area. In addition, Alberto Ego-Aguirre, president of the Maritime, Port and Customs Affairs Commission of the Lima Chamber of Commerce (CCL), warns about other global factors that add uncertainty to the sector, including international conflicts and the volatility of oil prices. oil, which could increase the costs of transportation and, therefore, of other products.

In response to internal challenges such as the El Niño phenomenon, which could affect land transportation of cargo, maritime cabotage is suggested as an alternative, which requires the approval of the Cabotage Law. This law would allow the transfer of cargo by sea, mitigating delays in deliveries and maintaining the competitiveness of Peruvian exports. At the end of 2023, an opinion to facilitate cabotage maritime transport was approved in the first vote, but its final implementation is still awaited.