Based on the present and projected water level of Gatun Lake for the upcoming weeks, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has updated the maximum allowable draft for Neopanamax and approved Panamax plus vessels transiting the new locks.
Effectively immediately, the maximum allowable draft for these ships is increased to 13.72 meters Tropical Fresh Water (TFW), according to ACP’s latest advisory to shipping.
Additionally, due to the current rainy season, the ACP said that the water conservation measures are now suspended as the water levels of Gatun and Alajuela Lakes have reached normal levels for this time of the year.
The authority added that it will monitor the level of Gatun Lake during the remainder of the rainy season and may take necessary actions to minimize the possibility of imposing draft restrictions during the upcoming dry season.