en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Panama Canal Authority (Autoridad del Canal de Panamá, ACP) has announced adjustments to the permitted draft depth for Neopanamax locks, with the new regulations taking effect in phases in late July and mid-August 2026.
The decision is based on current and forecasted water levels of Lake Gatún (Lago Gatún) in the coming weeks, as well as the risk of an El Niño event in the watershed. In a notice to shipping companies, the ACP stated that this measure is part of its water management strategy, aimed at ensuring the safe, reliable, and sustainable operation of the canal under current hydrological conditions.
The specific adjustment plan is as follows: Effective July 24, 2026, the maximum permitted draft for vessels transiting the Neopanamax locks will be 14.94 meters (49.0 feet) in tropical freshwater; effective August 15, 2026, the maximum permitted draft will be further adjusted to 14.78 meters (48.5 feet) in tropical freshwater. The ACP stated that it will continue to closely monitor lake levels and hydrological forecasts, and will announce additional operational adjustments if necessary.
