Panama Canal Authority boosts transit capacity amid drought recovery

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has announced a significant increase in transit capacity, including booking slots and maximum allowable draft for vessels passing through the canal, signalling a positive turnaround in Panama’s battle against drought conditions caused by El Nino.

PHOTO: The Port of Balboa at Panama's Pacific Ocean side. Getty Images

The authority plans to gradually enhance transit capabilities, with the number of ships allowed through per day set to rise to 32 from a limit of 27 announced last month.

One of the key adjustments involves raising the maximum draft for ships passing through the largest locks, which will be increased to 13.71 meters from the current 13.41 meters in mid-June.

These alterations will be implemented after maintenance work on the Gatun locks from 7 to 15 May, which will temporarily reduce daily transits to 17 in the Panamax locks, during the period.

However, upon completion of the maintenance work, the ACP aims to ramp up daily transits due to improved water levels.

The phased approach includes increasing daily transits from 17 to 24 in the Panamax locks and 7 in the Neopanamax locks (totaling 31) from 16 May to 31 May. Further enhancements are planned from 1 June, with the number of daily transits in the Neopanamax locks rising from 7 to 8 (totaling 32 transits).

Additionally, starting 15 June, the maximum permitted draught for vessels transiting Neopanamax locks will be raised to 13.71 meters (45 feet), ensuring safe navigation while considering Gatun Lake level projections and operational requirements.

These developments mark a significant turnaround since May last year when the ACP had to reduce daily transits due to the region's severe drought.

By Debarati Bhattacharjee

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