#Forecasts

Panama Canal Tightens Neopanamax Draft Limits Amid El Niño Forecast

The Panama Canal Authority announced further draft reductions for Neopanamax vessels effective July 24 and August 15, lowering maximum authorized draft to 49.0 feet (14.94 meters) and 48.5 feet (14.78 meters) respectively. The World Meteorological Organization confirmed El Niño conditions are strengthening through Northern Hemisphere autumn, increasing drought risk across Central America. The canal maintains roughly 38 daily transits while implementing water-saving measures including expanded use of water-saving basins and suspension of hydroelectric generation at Gatun.