Panama Canal to Increase Daily Transits to 10 Ships

Panama City (ANTARA) - The Panama Canal will increase the number of daily transits through the larger Neopanamax locks to 10 ships starting 15 October 2026, the Panama Canal Authority stated on Monday (28/9), as reported by Xinhua.

This move will increase the total number of daily transit slots across both sets of locks to 33 ships. The Panama Canal Authority stated that the decision was based on current and projected water levels in Gatund Lake, the primary water source for the canal connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Rainfall levels approaching the average in the canal’s watershed also allow authorities to set the maximum draft for ships using the Neopanamax locks at 49 feet (14.94 metres), effective immediately. Draft refers to the depth of a ship’s hull below the waterline.

As water shortages persist, the authority noted that the booking system remains the only way to guarantee passage on a specific date, adding that they will continue to monitor water levels and rainfall, announcing further changes as conditions permit.

The Neopanamax locks, which opened in 2016, accommodate ships that are too large to pass through the canal’s original locks.