The Panama Canal has announced that it will be increasing its number of daily transits for its Neopanamax locks and raising its maximum authorized draft for vessels, following the return of rainfall to the canal's watershed.
Starting on October 15, Neopanamax transits will increase from nine slots to 10, bringing the combined number of transits including Panamax locks up from 32 to 33. Neopanamax vessel drafts will also increase from 48.5 feet to 49 feet. The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) says that it will continue to closely monitor water conditions and rainfall levels for any other potential adjustments.
In early September, the ACP postponed planned draft restrictions that had been scheduled for October, citing a review of water levels at Gatun Lake and updated weather projections for the fall. Since then, rainfall at the canal has reportedly returned to close to average levels, with Gatun Lake rising from 84.04 feet on September 1, to 84.74 feet on September 27.
Prior to that, precipitation at the canal watershed was down 34% between May and August compared to historical averages, prompting the ACP to schedule cuts to daily transit capacity for just the second time ever. Panama's meteorological institute still projects below-average rainfall for October and November, although the ACP has credited "effective water saving measures implemented in the locks" for contributing to its decision to roll back transit cuts and draft restrictions.
