Panama Canal Raises Daily Transit Capacity as Water Conditions Improve

The Panama Canal is increasing its daily transit capacity to 34 vessels and restoring the maximum allowable draft at its Neopanamax locks to 50 feet, easing restrictions as improved water conditions provide some relief from concerns over another prolonged El Niño.

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) announced the changes in a November 9 advisory to shipping, citing improving lake levels, favorable hydrological forecasts and the effectiveness of water-saving measures implemented at the locks.

The adjustment adds one daily booking slot for Super vessels at the Panamax locks, increasing availability in that category from 18 to 19. Total daily reservation capacity rises from 33 to 34 slots, including 24 at the Panamax locks and 10 at the larger Neopanamax locks.

The ACP also raised the maximum authorized draft for Neopanamax vessels to 15.24 meters (50 feet), effective immediately and until further notice. The increase follows an October adjustment that raised the allowable draft to 49 feet.

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