AUTORIDAD DEL CANAL DE PANAMÁ EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENCY FOR OPERATIONS 3654-A (OPXI v. 3-2-2011 ADVISORIES ARE AVAILABLE AT http://www.pancanal.com FOR ETAS OR DIRECT COMMUNICATION WITH OUR OFFICES, REFER TO NOTICE N-3-2012 ADVISORY TO SHIPPING No. A-28-2012 November 23, 2012 TO : All Shipping Agents, Owners, and Operators SUBJECT: NEW PANAMAX VESSEL REQUIREMENTS The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) reminds all customers that vessels arriving at Canal waters, whether for docking or transiting the Panama Canal, must comply with vessel requirements, as stated in the Maritime Regulations for the Operation of the Panama Canal and OP’s Notice to Shipping No. N-1-2012, “Vessel Requirements.” The purpose of this Advisory is to inform the shipping community of the definitions and requirements applicable to all vessels intending to transit the new locks at the Panama Canal. Definitions:  Tropical Fresh Water (TFW): Tropical Fresh Water of Gatun Lake, density 0.9954 tons/m³ at 29.4 ºC. (Note: Transition to fresh water frequently alters the trim of large vessels 7.5 to 10 centimeters by the head.).  Panamax Plus: All Panamax vessels authorized for TFW drafts greater than 12.04 meters and approved for transit of the new locks.  New Panamax: All vessels with dimensions greater than Panamax or Panamax Plus that comply with the size and draft limitations of the new locks; namely, 366 meters in length by 49 meters in beam by 15.2 meters TFW draft.  Safe Working Load (SWL): The SWL should not exceed 80 percent of the design load. Requirements – New Panamax Locks:  Maximum Length:  The maximum length overall including bulbous bow for commercial or non-commercial vessels acceptable for regular transit is 366 meters. Vessels transiting the Canal for the first time, whether newly-constructed or newly-modified, are subject to inspection and prior review and approval of vessel plans. Vessels without prior approval and/or not in compliance with Canal requirements may experience delays or be denied transit.  The maximum length for integrated tug-barge (ITB) combination acceptable for regular transit is 366 meters overall, including the tug. A tug-barge combination must transit together as one unit with the tug supplying propelling power.  The maximum aggregate overall length for non-self-propelled vessels acceptable for transit is 305 meters, including accompanying tugs. Accompanying tugs must lock through with the non-self-propelled vessel. One time only transits that exceed these limitations may be permitted on a case-by-case basis with prior approval of the Transit Operations Division Executive Manager, and subject to requirements listed in Section 2.j (9), of the OP’s Notice to Shipping No. N-1-2012, “Vessel Requirements.” AUTORIDAD DEL CANAL DE PANAMÁ 3654-A (OPXI) EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENCY FOR OPERATIONS v. 28-01-2011 OP, November 23, 2012 Subject: NEW PANAMAX VESSEL REQUIREMENTS  Maximum Beam:  The maximum beam for commercial or non-commercial vessels and the integrated tugbarge combination acceptable for regular transit is 49 meters, measured at the outer surface of the shell plate, including all protruding structures below the top of the lock walls.  The maximum beam for non-self-propelled vessels, other than integrated tug-barge combinations, acceptable for transit is 36.5 meters. One time transit of wider vessels may be permitted with prior approval of the Transit Operations Division Executive Manager, and subject to requirements listed in Sec