The Panama Canal will reduce daily transit capacity from September as lower-than-expected rainfall continues to affect its watershed.
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) announced temporary changes to transit slots, auction rules and draft adjustments. The measures aim to conserve water while maintaining reliable operations.
From 3 September 2026, nine daily slots will be available at the Neopanamax Locks. The Panamax Locks will offer 25 slots per day.
From 15 September, Panamax capacity will be reduced further to 23 daily slots.
Lower rainfall forces additional measures
The restrictions come despite the arrival of Panama’s rainy season.
According to the ACP, precipitation across the Canal watershed has remained below expectations. The authority said additional measures are therefore needed to protect the long-term sustainability of transit operations.
The Canal has already introduced water-saving measures in response to the effects of El Niño.
The latest reduction in daily transits could increase waiting times for vessels arriving without confirmed reservations.
The ACP is therefore urging shipping companies to use its Transit Reservation System. A confirmed booking is the only mechanism that guarantees a transit date.
Panama Canal changes auction system
The Canal will also temporarily change the allocation of daily auction slots from 3 September.
Neopanamax, Supers and Regular vessels will be divided into four groups:
- Group 1: LNG and LPG carriers
- Group 2: dry bulk carriers, general cargo vessels and others
- Group 3: containerships, vehicle carriers/RoRo vessels and refrigerated vessels
- Group 4: chemical tankers and crude/product tankers
Customers that already hold a booking for the same transit date through LoTSA, NetZero or previous allocations will generally not be eligible for another slot. An exception will apply when there are no other competitors.
At the Neopanamax Locks, fully laden containerships with the highest TEU capacity will receive priority during the allocation process. Customer Ranking will be used as the tiebreaker.
Neopanamax draft changes postponed
The ACP has also revised the timing of previously announced draft restrictions.
A maximum authorised draft of 14.63 metres (48 feet) TFW, which was due to take effect on 26 August, has been postponed until 2 September 2026.
A further adjustment to 14.48 metres (47.5 feet) TFW, previously scheduled for 3 September, has been postponed until 1 October 2026.
The Canal Authority said it will continue monitoring rainfall, watershed inflows and Gatun Lake levels.
Further operational changes could follow if weather and water conditions require additional measures.
