The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) plans to reduce the maximum authorized draft for ships transiting its Neopanamax locks later this summer. This decision is due to worries about the potential development of El Niño phenomenon over the watershed in the upcoming months.
In an advisory issued July 1, the ACP announced that the maximum authorized draft will be 49.0 feet (14.94 meters) in tropical fresh water (TFW).
The new draft adjustment in the Neopanamax locks takes effect on July 24. This change is based on present and projected Gatun Lake levels for the upcoming weeks.
In addition, effective August 15, 2026, the maximum authorized draft will be adjusted to 14.78 meters (48.5 feet) TFW.
The canal authority said the changes are part of its water management strategy to ensure the “safe, reliable and sustainable” operation of the waterway under current hydrological conditions while considering the potential development of the El Niño phenomenon.
“The ACP will continue to closely monitor lake levels and hydrological projections and will announce any additional operational adjustments as deemed necessary,” the advisory said.
The draft reduction at the Neopanamax locks comes after the initial cut to 15.09 meters (49.5 feet) that took effect on July 3.
El Niño conditions have developed in the tropical Pacific and are forecast to strengthen rapidly over the coming months, increasing the likelihood of heatwaves, droughts, heavy rainfall and other extreme weather events in many parts of the world, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
Late last week, the WMO released a statement warning that El Niño is projected to rapidly intensify during the July to September period.
“El Niño conditions are already underway and are forecast to strengthen rapidly into a strong event – as accurately anticipated by WMO forecasts,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo. “This will intensify the chances of drought and heavy rainfall and the risk of heatwaves on land and marine heatwaves in many regions of the world.”
