- The Panama Canal Authority increased the maximum draught for Neopanamax vessels to 50 feet, with 36 total daily transit slots starting September 1.
- These adjustments aim to restore normal operations following a drought that lowered water levels in Lake Gatun.
- The canal, celebrating its 110th anniversary, is vital for global trade, linking over 1,900 ports and handling about 6% of world seaborne trade.
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has notified shipping lines that the maximum draught for vessels using the Neopanamax locks has been elevated to 50 feet (15.24 meters). This decision was made based on current and anticipated water levels in Lake Gatun over the coming weeks, reports MercoPress.
New Adjustments
In addition, the ACP announced a revised transit quota for the older Panamax locks, which will start on September 1. This includes a total of 36 daily slots: 10 allocated for Neopanamax vessels and 26 for Panamax vessels.
The adjustments reflect the Canal’s dedication to restoring normal operating conditions and ensuring a safe, reliable, and efficient service. This follows recent capacity changes due to a prolonged drought that created a significant water crisis in 2023, impacting the levels of Gatun and Alhajuela Lakes.
Current Traffic and Importance
Currently, 35 ships transit the canal each day, with 25 using the older locks and 10 passing through the expansion completed in 2016, which accommodates vessels capable of carrying three times the cargo of traditional Panamax ships.
The announcement coincided with the 110th anniversary of the canal’s first crossing by the Ancon steamship.
The Panama Canal connects over 1,900 ports across 170 countries and accounts for approximately 6% of global seaborne trade, primarily serving users from the United States, China, Japan, and South Korea.
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Source:MercoPress
