In a new update issued on 29 September, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) announced a modification to the transit capacity at the Canal.

The Canal continues to experience severe drought despite the start of rainfall season in the country. This prompted the ACP to make new changes to the current rules by further reducing the number of vessels allowed to transit from 32 to 31.

According to the authority’s press release, effective 1 November, “the average number of transits through the Canal will be adjusted to 31 transits per day: nine through the Neopanamax locks and 22 through the Panamax locks.”

Additional rules will be introduced affecting the transit of Panamax plus vessels and slot reservations while the condition is in effect. The advisory published by the Canal details the new booking conditions.