In a customer advisory, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has announced will implement a new round of draft restrictions for vessels transiting its Neopanamax locks in late August as water levels in Gatun Lake have continued to decline amid a strengthening El Niño.
The ACP said the maximum authorized draft will be reduced to 48.0 feet (14.63 meters) as of August 26. This will be followed by a further reduction to 47.5 feet (14.48 meters) starting September 3.
The latest changes follow earlier reductions this summer that lowered the maximum draft from 49.5 feet in early July to 49.0 feet on July 24, and then to 48.5 feet effective August 15.
Despite the tighter draft limits, the ACP said the adjustments will not affect the number of daily vessel transits, pointing out that the measures are part of the canal’s ongoing water management strategy.
(ACP Photo)