Panama Canal Boosts Capacity Amid Water Crisis with Increased Draft and Transit Slots

The Panama Canal recently celebrated the eighth anniversary of its historic expansion program by increasing its draft and daily transit capacity as it faces an ongoing water crisis. The maximum permitted draft has been raised from 46 to 47 feet, with further increases planned in the coming months. A new booking slot for the Neopanamax locks will also be introduced, allowing for a total daily passage of 35 vessels, moving the waterway closer to its planned capacity of 36-38 passages per day and a maximum draft of 50 feet.

Due to a severe drought and El Niño phenomenon, the Panama Canal has not been operating at full capacity for over a year. However, with the rainy season beginning, the Panama Canal Authority has been gradually increasing daily passages and maximum drafts. The recent improvements follow capacity enhancements announced in early June and are based on current water levels in Gatun Lake and weather forecasts in the Panama Canal basin.

Ricaurte Vásquez Morales, the administrator of the Panama Canal, highlights the challenges faced during this anniversary due to the drought and climate variations affecting the water levels of Lakes Gatún and Alhajuela. Despite the continued water shortages, the canal has played a vital role in global trade, accommodating larger ships and facilitating the passage of LNG carriers for the first time, with significant economic impacts on the local and global economy. Solutions are being sought to address the impact of climate change and ensure the long-term sustainability of the canal.

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