The Panama Canal announced through an advisory to shipping companies that, effective July 1, the maximum authorized draft for vessels transiting the Neopanamax locks will be 49.5 feet (15.09 meters). The adjustment is based on current and projected Gatun Lake levels for the coming weeks and forms part of the Panama Canal’s operational water-management strategy.

The seasonal draft adjustment, which will not affect the number of daily transits, complements the water-saving measures implemented since December 2025. Those measures were initially introduced in preparation for the 2026 dry season and in response to the possibility that an El Niño event could develop during the second half of the year and continue into 2027, potentially affecting water availability to some extent.

This preventive measure, which is commonly implemented during the dry season, is being reinstated after approximately two consecutive years in which it was not necessary due to sufficient water availability in the lakes. This was the result of abundant rainfall in 2025 and an unusually wet 2026 dry season, which allowed the canal to maintain above-normal water storage levels in its lakes.

The decision also took into account lessons learned during the 2023–2024 water shortage and was based on an analysis of the Panama Canal’s historical measurement data.

Panama Canal specialists continue to closely monitor weather conditions and review projections weekly to more accurately assess the potential impact of El Niño and determine the actions that may need to be considered in the coming months.

Source: Panama Canal Authority