Panama Canal Raises Daily Transits to 34 and Neopanamax Draft
The Panama Canal Authority in Panama City has announced, in an Advisory to Shipping, an increase in daily transit capacity and a deeper permitted draft for the largest ships using the canal, which links the Atlantic and Pacific oceans across the Isthmus of Panama.
One more booking slot has been added for “Super” vessels at the older Panamax locks, raising that category from 18 to 19 slots a day. Total daily capacity is now 34 slots: 24 at the Panamax locks and 10 at the Neopanamax locks.
From the CrewMirror Blog
From 9 November, the maximum allowable draft for transits through the Neopanamax locks has also been raised to 15.24 metres (50 feet) until further notice. The authority says the changes reflect improved water levels in Gatun Lake and favourable hydrological forecasts.
The extra slot is being sold through the canal’s Transit Reservation System. For transits from 12 to 17 November it goes to auction, from 18 to 23 November it is offered in a special competition, and from 24 November it will be in the regular booking period. The canal reminds users that only a reservation guarantees a transit date.
CrewMirror Takeaway
A deeper draft lets ships load more cargo, which makes accurate draft surveys and trim planning even more important. Deck officers on canal-bound ships should confirm the latest draft limits in the canal’s advisories before final loading.
