The Panama Canal Authority has announced a reduction in the maximum authorised draft for vessels using the Neopanamax Locks.
The measure forms part of its water management strategy to support safe, reliable and sustainable canal operations under current hydrological conditions.
In its advisory, the authority said the move also reflects the possible development of an El Niño phenomenon over the watershed in the coming months.
The new maximum draft has been set at 15.09 metres (49.5 feet), Tropical Fresh Water, and it will take effect on 3 July 2026.
During the 2023-2024 period, the canal repeatedly reduced draft limits, at one point reaching 38.5 feet, and then cut daily transits instead of making further draft reductions.
That earlier disruption caused extensive delays and led large container vessels to discharge part of their cargo and move containers across the isthmus by rail.
Current conditions already show pressure on operations. Canal data for 5 June show 58 booked vessels and nine non-booked vessels waiting for transit.
Furthermore, the average waiting time for non-booked southbound vessels stands at 10.6 days, while northbound waits are 2.2 days after reaching 13.6 days in mid-May.
