Panama Canal announces second round of easing restrictions in June

Through a Notice to Shipping, the Panama Canal announced that as of June 26, the maximum allowable draft has been increased to 14.33 meters (from 46 to 47 feet) and that it will rise to 14.63 meters (48 feet) on July 11.

Additionally, a new booking window for Neopanamax locks will be added from August 5, bringing the total number of transits to 35 vessels per day.

The latest updates build on improvements announced earlier in June, which included increasing daily transits from 32 to 33 starting July 11, and then again to 34 on July 22.

The adjustment is expected to allow for greater flexibility in scheduling and alleviate some of the congestion issues that have plagued the canal in recent times due to a prolonged drought in the lakes that feed the waterway. Improved water levels and increased capacity are expected to streamline logistics and reduce delays, which are a major concern for global trade, exacerbated by the situation in the Red Sea.

The recent rainfall marks a positive turning point for the canal, potentially stabilizing operations and restoring confidence among shippers.

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP), which is celebrating 8 years of the expansion of the waterway, said its efforts demonstrate its commitment to maintaining the canal as a reliable and efficient route for global trade. The increased depth limits and additional transit slots are expected to play a central role, accommodating larger ships and heavier cargoes, increasing the canal’s overall throughput and efficiency.