Panama Canal Authority Boosts Daily Transits & Draft Limits For Neopanamax Locks

The Panama Canal Authority has announced an immediate increase in the maximum authorized draft for vessels transiting the Neopanamax locks to 49 feet (14.94 meters) of Tropical Fresh Water.

The adjustment is a crucial step toward restoring regular operations after the canal’s extended period of restricted capacity due to last year’s severe drought.

The Canal Authority’s decision is based on the current and predicted water levels in Gatun Lake.

According to the most recent data, Gatun Lake’s water level is 85 feet, up from 79.6 feet in August last year and higher than the 5-year average of 83.9 feet for this period.

In addition to increasing the draft limit, the Panama Canal Authority increased the number of daily Neopanamax transits from 34 on July 22 to 35 as of August 5.

The increase follows an earlier increase from 32 to 33 transits in July.

The canal’s capacity is already reaching its design requirements of around 36 daily transits and a maximum draft of 50 feet for the Neopanamax locks.

ACP Deputy Administrator Ilya Espino expressed confidence in restoring the Panama Canal to full capacity of 36 daily transits by September, citing continued improvements in water levels.

The Panama Canal has been operating below capacity for over a year and a half due to the worst droughts in its watershed, which were worsened by last year’s strong El Niño.

The rainy season this year has gradually increased draft limitations and daily transits, which had previously reached lows of 24 transits and drafts of less than 44 feet.

The ACP added that it will continue to monitor Gatun Lake’s water levels and issue timely announcements about future draft revisions as needed.

Reference: Panama Canal Authority