Panama Canal: Draft adjustment for the Neopanamax locks

The Panama Canal Authority has issued an advisory about the maximum authorized draft allowed for vessels transiting the Neopanamax locks.

These changes have been announced on February 1st, 2023, and are addressed to all shipping agents, owners, and operators.

Due to the current level of Gatun Lake, as well as the predicted level for the coming weeks, the Panama Canal Authority has announced that as of March 1st, 2023, the maximum draft allowed for vessels passing through the Neopanamax Locks will be 15.09 m (49.5 ft) TFW.

Ships arriving with a draft over the above are allowed to transit after March 1st, 2023, depending on the level of Gatun Lake at that time. Otherwise, such ships will be required to trim or unload cargo to allow transit.

Draft reductions will be announced in 15.24 cm (6 inches) decrements, with at least four weeks advance notice.

Panama Canal Authority will continue to monitor the level of Gatun Lake to announce future draft adjustments in time.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

RELEVANT DOCUMENTS:

Draft Adjustment to 15.09 m (49.5 feet) TFW for the Neopanamax Locks