The Panama Canal has postponed an October Neopanamax draft cut, keeping the current 14.63-meter (48.0-foot) Tropical Fresh Water limit until further notice.
The draft was due to fall to 14.48 meters (47.5 feet) TFW on October 1, 2026. The Panama Canal said Friday it will maintain the current maximum authorized draft for vessels transiting the Neopanamax Locks which will allow customers to continue operating under the existing 14.63-meter (48.0-foot) Tropical Fresh Water limit.
A previously announced reduction to 14.48 meters (47.5 feet) TFW, which was scheduled to take effect on October 1, has been postponed.
The decision follows the canal’s latest review of Gatun Lake levels and weather projections.
“Keeping the current draft in place gives customers greater continuity for voyage planning and vessel deployment,” the authority said.
The canal will continue to assess water conditions and provide advance notice of any future changes affecting vessel draft requirements.
