Better water conditions and favourable hydrological forecasts have led the Panama Canal Authority to increase vessel transit capacity through its Neopanamax locks.
From 15th October 2026, there will be an additional daily slot available for Neopanamax locks. This decision brings the maximum number of permitted daily transits up from 9 to 10.
It means that the Canal’s total daily capacity will now be 33 crossings, taking into account the Neopanamax and Panamax locks.
The ACP has also introduced a number of changes to the reservation system for Neopanamax locks for booking dates from 15th October 2026 until further notice,
There will be no limit on the number of slots each customer can get per date or per week, and slots for consecutive dates may be granted.
The new scheme allows for a total of 30 slots allocated through the booking system and 3 by auction.
The Authority has also set, with immediate effect and until further notice, a maximum authorised draught of 14.94 metres for vessels passing through the Neopanamax locks.
The decision takes into account the rainfall levels recorded in September in the Canal’s watershed, the effectiveness of the water-saving measures implemented at the locks, and the current and forecast levels of Gatún Lake over the coming weeks.
Translation by Giles Foster
