You are using an outdated browser For a better experience using this site, please upgrade to a modern web browser. Subscribe Get Daily Email Subscribe --> Contact Us Sign in Home News & Features Compliance Costs Bunker Prices Bunker Intelligence Americas News Latest Features World Americas EMEA Asia/Pacific Home News & Features Americas Panama Canal Eases Restrictions on Ship Transits Panama Canal Eases Restrictions on Ship Transits by Ship & Bunker News Team Wednesday September 30, 2026 Tweet Follow @shipandbunker The decision was based on its latest review of Gatun Lake water levels and weather forecasts. Image Credit: Panama Canal Authority The Panama Canal is easing restrictions on ship transits, with changes to vessel draft limits and daily transit capacity. “Effective immediately and until further notice, the maximum authorized draft, for vessels transiting the Neopanamax locks will be 14.94 m (49.0 feet),” the Panama Canal Authority said in an advisory issued on Monday . The Authority will also increase the number of daily Neopanamax transits to 10 from October 15 , up from the current nine , “for a total of 33 daily slots within Neopanamax and Panamax locks”. The nine-transit limit was introduced on September 3 as the Canal adopted additional measures in response to reduced precipitation in its watershed. The latest changes are based on the “present and projected level of Gatun Lake”, the Canal said. “Taking into consideration the positive effect of the close to average precipitation on the Canal watershed and the effective water saving measures implemented in the Locks,” the Canal said it had decided to raise the maximum authorised draft. Despite the easing of restrictions, the Canal said, “the water deficit continues in the Canal watershed”. “The Transit Reservation (Booking) System remains the only way to guarantee a transit date,” it said. Ship & Bunker News Team To contact the editor responsible for this story email us at [email pro