Panama Canal increases daily transits to 34 and raises authorized draft in Neopanamax locks

November 09, 2026

Panama Canal Increases Daily Transits to 34 and Raises Authorized Draft in Neopanamax Locks

The Panama Canal announced, through an Advisory to Shipping, an increase in its daily transit capacity by incorporating an additional reservation slot in the Panamax locks for Super category vessels, raising the available slots per day in this segment from 18 to 19.

With this adjustment, the Canal's total capacity increases to 34 daily transit slots between the Panamax (24) and Neopanamax (10) locks, providing shipping companies with greater access opportunities and improved itinerary planning capability.

The announcement also reported an adjustment to the maximum authorized draft for vessels transiting the Neopanamax locks, which, as of today, November 9, 2026, will be 15.24 meters (50 feet), an adjustment that will remain in effect until further notice.

This measure is effective immediately and responds to improved lake levels, as well as favorable hydrological projections that allow for optimizing water resource use without compromising the sustainability of operations.

The additional slot will be available through the Canal's regular reservation system. For reservation dates between November 12 and November 17, 2026, it will be offered through Period 3 (auction). For dates between November 18 and November 23, 2026, it will be available through Period 2 (Special Competition). Starting with reservation dates corresponding to November 24, 2026, onwards, the slot will be offered during the regular opening of the Second Competition Period.

The Canal reminds its customers that the Transit Reservation System continues to be the only mechanism that guarantees a transit date, so vessels without a reservation may experience significantly longer waiting times.

The Panama Canal maintains permanent monitoring of the hydrological conditions of the basin and its lake levels, and will continue to timely communicate any necessary adjustments to ensure the reliability, competitiveness, and sustainability of the interoceanic route.