Panama Canal Expands Daily Transit Capacity and Raises Maximum Draft Limit
What Happened?
The Panama Canal Authority has increased daily transit capacity to 34 vessels and raised the maximum neopanamax draft to 50 feet following significant Gatun Lake water replenishment. Daily operations now accommodate 24 panamax and 10 neopanamax transits, providing operational relief after prolonged drought restrictions. Shippers are advised that advance booking remains critical to prevent transit delays.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Published date
November 13, 2026
Advisory category
operational_update
Affected Trade lanes
Asia -> North America East Coast, Asia -> US Gulf Coast, North America East Coast -> Asia
Affected Ports
PABLB, PACRI
Who is Affected?
Shippers, BCOs, and freight forwarders routing containerized and bulk cargo through the Panama Canal, particularly on Asia to US East Coast and Gulf Coast trade lanes.
Source:
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