The Panama Canal is expanding its capacity: from 15 October 2026, a total of 33 bookable passages will be available each day. The maximum permitted draught in the Neopanamax locks is being increased to 14.94 m with immediate effect.
The number of daily Neopanamax transits is to be increased from nine to ten. Together with the 23 booking slots that remain for the Panamax locks, this results in a capacity of 33 transits per day. According to the Panama Canal Authority, this is based on the current and forecast water levels of Lake Gatún.
The permitted draught for the Neopanamax locks is increasing from the equivalent of around 14.63 m to 14.94 m. According to the Authority, the new limit will apply until further notice. The PCA attributes the relaxation of the restrictions to rainfall levels close to the long-term average and water-saving measures in lock operations.
Planned further draught restrictions cancelled
The Canal Authority is thus reversing the course it has taken in recent months, for the time being. Most recently, below-average rainfall and a developing El Niño phenomenon during the summer had triggered concerns about water levels in Gatún Lake. The permitted Neopanamax draught had consequently been gradually reduced and had stood at around 14.63 m since the beginning of September. A further reduction to around 14.48 m was planned for 1 October, but this was withdrawn as early as September.
The number of daily transits had also fallen: since 3 September, nine booking slots had been available for the Neopanamax locks, whilst Panamax capacity was limited to 23 slots as of 15 September.
Water shortage persists
Since the severe drought of 2023/24, the Canal Authority has introduced various measures to reduce freshwater consumption. These include greater use of the water-saving basins at the Neopanamax locks, as well as the joint passage of several vessels through the locks, where operationally feasible.
Despite the improved conditions, a water deficit persists in the catchment area. According to the authority, only a booking made via the reservation system guarantees a specific transit date. Ships without a reservation may have to expect waiting times of indefinite duration.
Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea and the Suez Canal have recently led to a significant, albeit temporary, increase in demand for Panama Canal transits. Combined with limited capacity, this has intensified competition for bookings and for transit slots allocated at short notice via auction. The Canal Authority intends to continue monitoring rainfall and water levels and to adjust the guidelines again if necessary.
