The Panama Canal Authority announced it will limit daily vessel transits starting September 4 due to anticipated low water levels from an extended El Niño season. The new cap will allow 34 vessels per day, reducing to 32 by September 15. Previously, the canal had maintained an average of 35 daily transits through June 2026, with a maximum capacity of 40.
In May, the authority stated there would be no restrictions on vessel passage this year, but ongoing water conservation measures have been in place since 2025. The current advisory specifies that the Neopanamax locks will be limited to nine slots, while the Panamax locks will initially have 25 slots, decreasing to 23 on September 15.
Recent data shows rainfall from May to August was 34% below average, with watershed inflows down 44%. The authority warned that the severity of the upcoming El Niño could further decrease precipitation, impacting the canal’s sustainability and local water supplies. To adapt, the authority is delaying planned reductions to maximum draft limits, which dictate how much cargo vessels can carry.
