Panama Canal increases transit slots and raises vessel draught limits

Mexico City (ANTARA) - The Panama Canal Authority announced on Monday (28/9) an increase in the maximum allowable draught for vessels passing through the Neopanamax locks to 14.94 metres (49 feet), following improved climatic and hydrological conditions and an increase in available shipping slots.

“Effective immediately and until further notice, the maximum allowable draught for vessels transiting through the Neopanamax locks is 14.94 metres (49.0 feet),” the Panama Canal Authority stated in a press release.

The decision takes into account the latest rainfall data for September in the Panama Canal watershed, the effectiveness of water-saving measures in the locks, as well as current water levels and projections for Gatun Lake, which supplies water to the locks.

“The Panama Canal Authority announced today… that they will increase the number of daily transits through the Neopanamax locks to 10, bringing the total daily slots for both Neopanamax and Panamax locks to 33, starting 15 October 2026,” the statement read.

At the same time, a water deficit persists within the Panama Canal watershed, according to the authority. They added that the advance booking system remains the only mechanism to guarantee transit dates, while vessels without bookings may face indefinite delays.