02 Jul 2026 / Panama Canal, Panama

Draft adjustment in Neopanamax Locks

Based on present and projected Gatun Lake levels, effective July 24, 2026, the maximum authorized draft for vessels transiting the Panama Canal’s Neopanamax Locks will be 14.94 meters (49.0 feet) in Tropical Fresh Water (TFW). This will be further reduced from August 15, 2026, to 14.78 meters (48.5 feet) TFW.

This is part of the Panama Canal Authority’s water management strategy, in light of the potential El Niño in the watershed in coming months.

Lake levels and hydrological projections will be closely monitored and any additional operational adjustments will be announced, as necessary.

For information about operations in Panama, contact us at [email protected]

If quoting any content from Hot Port News, please cite GAC Hot Port News as the source.

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