A-25-2026
Reduced maximum allowable draft in Neopanamax Locks, Panama Canal
No longer in forceReceived 05 Aug 2026, 00:00 UTCArchived 04 Nov 2026, 01:28 UTC
Warning text
Panama Canal Authority Vice Presidency for Operations
Advisory To Shipping No. A-25-2026
August 5, 2026
TO: All Shipping Agents, Owners, and Operators SUBJECT: Adjustment to the Maximum Allowable Draft in the Neopanamax Locks
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) continues to implement proactive water management measures to safeguard the reliability, safety, and sustainability of Canal operations. While the rainy season has commenced across the Isthmus of Panama, current watershed conditions and the continued effects of El Niño phenomenon require additional actions to ensure the long-term sustainability of transit operations. These measures will preserve service reliability while providing customers with timely and transparent information to support their voyage and supply chain planning. The Panama Canal remains fully committed to supporting global commerce through responsible water stewardship, operational transparency, and dependable service to the maritime industry. Based on the current level of Gatun Lake and recent weather projections, the ACP will implement the following adjustment in the Neopanamax Locks Maximum Authorized Draft: Effective August 26, 2026, the maximum authorized draft for vessels transiting the Neopanamax Locks will be 14.63 meters (48.0 feet) Tropical Fresh Water (TFW). Additionally, effective September 3, 2026, and until further notice, the maximum authorized draft for vessels transiting the Neopanamax Locks will be 14.48 meters (47.5 feet) Tropical Fresh Water (TFW). This additional adjustment supports safe navigation and operational reliability while accounting for current water levels and projected hydrological conditions. The ACP will closely monitor weather conditions, watershed inflows, and lake levels, and will provide customers with timely updates should additional operational adjustments become necessary. The capacity of the Neopanamax and Panamax Locks remains stable, and no reduction in available transit slots is being implemented at this time. To support efficient transit planning and minimize the potential for delays, customers are encouraged to take advantage of the various booking and reservation options available through the Transit Reservation (Booking) System. Furthermore, due to weather conditions changing more rapidly than originally anticipated, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) will make every reasonable effort to provide advance notice of any future adjustments as early as possible. However, the timing of such announcements will ultimately depend on the evolving conditions and the availability of updated information.
3654-A (OP-I) V. 29/03/2023
3654-A (OP-I) V. 29/03/2023
OP, Subject: Adjustment to the Maximum Allowable Draft in the Neopanamax Locks
For any inquiries regarding these rules, please contact our Customer Service office at the following email address: [email protected].
ORIGINAL SIGNED Boris Moreno Vásquez Vice President for Operations
Analysis
No longer in forceThe Panama Canal Authority has adjusted the maximum authorized draft for Neopanamax Locks due to Gatun Lake levels and El Nino effects. Effective 26 August 2026 the draft was set to 14.63 m TFW; effective 3 September 2026 and until further notice it is 14.48 m TFW. The Canal remains operational with no reduction in transit slots and customers should plan transits accordingly. For inquiries use the Canal Customer Service email provided.
- Type
- Port / channel notice · severity moderate
- Location
- Neopanamax Locks, Panama Canal
- Validity
- From 03 Sept 2026, 00:00 UTC
Effective August 26, 2026, the maximum authorized draft for vessels transiting the Neopanamax Locks will be 14.63 meters (48.0 feet) Tropical Fresh Water (TFW). Additionally, effective September 3, 2026, and until further notice, the maximum authorized draft for vessels transiting the Neopanamax Loc - Activity periods
- 26 Aug 2026, 00:00 UTC - 03 Sept 2026, 00:00 UTC (Maximum authorized draft 14.63 m TFW)
- 03 Sept 2026, 00:00 UTC - ? (Maximum authorized draft 14.48 m TFW until further notice)
- Hazards
- reduced maximum transit draft, operational water restrictions
Worked out automatically from the warning text on 30 Sept 2026, 17:59 UTC. It can be wrong: the official warning text is the authority.
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