A-42-2026

Panama Canal increases Panamax booking slots and Neopanamax maximum draft

ActiveReceived 09 Nov 2026, 00:00 UTC

Warning text

Panama Canal Authority Vice Presidency for Operations Advisory To Shipping No. A-42-2026 November 9, 2026 TO: All Shipping Agents, Owners, and Operators SUBJECT: Increase in the Number of Booking Slots at the Panamax Locks and in the Maximum Allowable Draft at the Neopanamax Locks Supported by improving water conditions, favorable hydrological projections, and the effectiveness of the water-saving measures implemented at the locks, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) announces an additional booking slot at the Panamax Locks and an increase in the maximum allowable draft at the Neopanamax Locks. Effective immediately, the daily capacity for vessels in the Super category will increase from eighteen (18) to nineteen (19) slots. The additional slot will be offered as follows: through Booking Period 3 (Auction) for booking dates from November 12 to November 17, 2026; through Booking Period 2 (Special Competition) for booking dates from November 18 to 23, 2026, and for booking dates beginning November 24, 2026, at the opening of the 2nd Period Competition on November 10, 2026. With this adjustment, the total daily capacity will increase to 34 transit slots across the Neopanamax and Panamax Locks, providing customers greater access and planning flexibility. The following tables summarize the slot distribution per Booking Period for the Neopanamax and Panamax Locks: For booking dates beginning November 12, 2026, until further notice: CATEGORIES Special Period LoTSA Slots >90 Days Period 1 (90 Days) Period 1A (30-15 Days) Period 2 (14-8 Days) Subtotal Period 3 Auctions TOTAL Neopanamax 1 3 * 3 2** 9 1 10 Supers 3 N/A 6 N/A 9 18 1 19 Regulares 2 N/A 1 N/A 1 4 1 5 Total 6 3 7 3 12 31 3 34 ** Includes the “conditioned” slot. Additionally, based on the current and projected level of Gatun Lake for the following weeks, effective immediately and until further notice, the maximum authorized draft for vessels transiting the Neopanamax locks will be 15.24 m (50.0 feet). The Transit Reservation (Booking) System remains the only mechanism to guarantee a transit date. Therefore, vessels without a reservation may experience extremely extensive delays. 3654-A (OP-I) V. 29/03/2023 3654-A (OP-I) V. 29/03/2023 OP, November 9, 2026 Subject: Increase in the Number of Booking Slots at the Panamax Locks and in the Maximum Allowable Draft at the Neopanamax Locks The Canal remains committed to closely monitoring water conditions and rainfall levels and will communicate any further adjustments in a timely manner, as circumstances warrant. For inquiries regarding these measures, please contact: [email protected] ORIGINAL SIGNED Boris Moreno Vásquez Vice President for Operations

Analysis

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Effective immediately the Panama Canal Authority adds one Super-category daily slot at the Panamax locks (Super slots increase from 18 to 19) and increases the maximum authorized draft for Neopanamax transits to 15.24 m (50.0 ft). The extra Panamax slot is offered through specified booking periods for booking dates from 12 November 2026 and onwards. The Transit Reservation (Booking) System remains the only mechanism to guarantee a transit; vessels without a reservation may experience extensive delays. The Canal will monitor water levels and announce further adjustments as needed.

Type: Port / channel notice · severity moderate
Location: Panama Canal - Neopanamax and Panamax Locks (Gatun Lake influences)
Validity: From 09 Nov 2026, 00:00 UTC
Effective immediately; for booking dates beginning November 12, 2026, until further notice; maximum authorized draft ... effective immediately and until further notice
Activity periods: 12 Nov 2026, 00:00 UTC - 17 Nov 2026, 23:59 UTC (Additional Panamax Super slot offered through Booking Period 3 (Auction) for booking dates 12-17 Nov 2026)
18 Nov 2026, 00:00 UTC - 23 Nov 2026, 23:59 UTC (Additional Panamax Super slot offered through Booking Period 2 (Special Competition) for booking dates 18-23 Nov 2026)
24 Nov 2026, 00:00 UTC - ? (For booking dates beginning 24 Nov 2026 the additional slot available at opening of 2nd Period Competition on 10 Nov 2026; remains until further notice)
09 Nov 2026, 00:00 UTC - ? (Maximum authorized Neopanamax draft 15.24 m (50.0 ft) effective immediately and until further notice)
Hazards: transit capacity change, maximum draft restriction (updated)

Worked out automatically from the warning text on 09 Nov 2026, 23:17 UTC. It can be wrong: the official warning text is the authority.

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