Panama Canal Raises Draft to 49 Feet and Adds Daily Transits Starting in October
Cubierto por 4 fuentesPublicado
- canal de panamaCanal de Panamá anuncia aumento de calado y de tránsitos diarios
- GCAPTAIN_NEWSPanama Canal Adds Transit Capacity as Rainfall Brings Relief
- camara_ecuadorCanal de Panamá eleva a 33 los tránsitos diarios y el calado a 49 pies
- camara_ecuadorCanal de Panamá mejora su balance hídrico y mantiene vigilancia ante El Niño
- datamar newsRains ease water pressure at the Panama Canal
The Panama Canal announced that, effective immediately, the maximum authorized draft for vessels transiting the Neopanamax locks has been raised to 14.94 meters (49 feet), one foot more than the previous limit of 48 feet. In addition, starting October 15, 2026, daily transits through those locks will increase to 10, raising total combined capacity with the Panamax locks to 33 daily slots. The Panama Canal Authority attributed the decision to near-average rainfall recorded in the watershed and to the effectiveness of the water-saving measures implemented.
Reversal of Previous Restrictions
The measure marks a significant reversal of the cuts applied during the Northern Hemisphere winter, when below-normal rainfall and the advance of El Niño raised concerns over Gatun Lake levels. The Canal had progressively reduced the Neopanamax draft down to 48 feet in early September, and had scheduled a further reduction to 47.5 feet for October 1, a cut it ultimately canceled. Daily capacity had also been scaled back, with Neopanamax slots reduced to nine as of September 3 and Panamax slots cut to 23 as of September 15.
Water Balance
According to data released prior to the announcement, as of September 24, 416 million cubic meters of water had entered the watershed, compared to 245 million used, leaving a positive balance of 171 million cubic meters. At that time the Canal was still operating with 32 daily transits and a 48-foot draft, while the Panama Canal Authority continued monitoring rainfall patterns due to the effects of El Niño, noting that the weeks leading up to mid-November would be critical for strengthening reserves.
Warning to Shipowners
The Canal emphasized that, despite the improvement, the watershed remains in water deficit and that the Transit Reservation System continues to be the only way to guarantee a transit date. Vessels arriving without a reservation could face indefinite delays, according to the Advisory to Shipping Lines issued by the Panama Canal Authority.
Higher Demand and Rainfall Forecast
The relief comes amid strong demand for guaranteed transits, driven by geopolitical disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, which have led some operators to reconsider their routes and compete for reservations and auction slots. Weather forecasts for the ten days following the announcement indicated daily rain or storms in the Gatun Lake area, with some days bringing over 20 millimeters, which would favor the recovery of the reservoir's level.
