The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) will reduce the maximum authorized draft for vessels transiting the Neopanamax locks from July 1.
The new limit will be 49.5 feet (15 metres), a reduction of 0.5 feet from the current maximum draft.
ACP said the measure is precautionary and reflects lessons learned during the severe water shortage that affected canal operations in 2023 and 2024.
The restriction comes as the canal prepares for maintenance work at the Gatun Locks.
The east lane of the Gatun Locks will close for dry lock maintenance from June 9 to June 17.
During this period, vessels will transit through a single lane, resulting in lower transit capacity.
The canal will offer only 16 booked transit slots through the Panamax locks while maintenance is underway.
That figure is approximately half the normal operating level. Under regular conditions, the Panama Canal handles up to 40 daily transits across the Neopanamax and Panamax locks.
The reduced capacity is expected to increase vessel queues and waiting times in the coming days.
