August 16, 2024
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) issued a notice advising stakeholders that based on the present and projected level of Gatun Lake it will increase the maximum authorized draft and, at the beginning of September, the total number of daily transits in the locks:
Advisory To Shipping No. A-28-2024
August 15, 2024
TO: All Shipping Agents, Owners, and Operators
SUBJECT: Increase in the Maximum Allowable Draft in the Neopanamax Locks and Modifications to the Transit Reservation (Booking) System
Based on the present and projected level of Gatun Lake for the upcoming weeks, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) is pleased to announce that effective immediately, the maximum authorized draft allowed for vessels transiting the Neopanamax Locks will be 15.24 m (50.0 feet) TFW. This announcement reflects the ACP's commitment to return to normal operating conditions and maintain a safe, reliable and efficient service to our customers.
Additionally, for booking dates beginning September 1, 2024, the ACP announces an increase in the total number of daily booking slots to 36, in a distribution of 10 slots for Neopanamax, 20 for Super and 6 for Regular vessels.
The full ACP advisory is available here (pdf).
Source: ACP