The Panama Canal has issued an Advisory to shipping agents, owners and operators stating that it will increase the maximum authorized draft, although the water deficit that forced authorities to slash ship crossings in the Panama Canal, one of the world’s most important trade routes, persists.
The authority on Thursday raised the maximum authorized draft to 13.71 meters (45 feet) for vessels transiting the neopanamax locks, based on the present and projected level of Gatun Lake for the following weeks.
This adjustment, originally scheduled to take effect on June 15, is being implemented earlier due to the expected onset of the rainy season in the Panama Canal Watershed and the current and projected levels of Gatun Lake over the coming weeks.
The measure was notified to shipping companies to become effective on June 15, but it came into force now with immediate effect.
The authority explains that this adjustment ensures safe navigation through the locks and channels, while considering the projected level of Gatun Lake and operational requirements.
“The arrival of the rainy season in the Canal watershed has prompted the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) to move forward the implementation date of the maximum authorized draft announced in Advisory to Shipping A-12-2024 and scheduled to become effective on June 15, 2024,” the vice president for operations, Boris Moreno Vásquez confirmed.
“Therefore, based on the present and projected level of Gatun Lake for the following weeks, the maximum authorized draft for vessels transiting the Neopanamax locks will be 13.71 m (45.0 feet) TFW, effective immediately,” Moreno added.
