Panama Canal Beats Deadline for Increasing Maximum Draft Limit

The Panama Canal Authority has announced an increase in the maximum allowable draft of the Neopanamax locks to 45 feet, closer to the normal limit of 50 feet, due to the rainy season and water levels in Lake Gatun. This adjustment, originally set for June 15, comes as the canal gradually resumes normal operations following over a year of restrictions caused by a severe drought.

With the increase in draft, the agency plans to add additional transits in the Neopanamax locks, raising the total number of daily transits from 24 to 32. Water levels in Gatun and Alhajuela lakes have exceeded those from 2023, with Gatun Lake’s level reaching 81,142 feet on May 30.

In addition to the draft increase, daily passages in the Panamax and Neopanamax locks have also been raised, increasing the total number of ship passages per day to 32. The Panama Canal Authority is closely monitoring weather conditions to respond to the increased inflow into the basin and ensure the smooth operation of the canal.

Source .