Panama Canal eases capacity restrictions thanks to improving water conditions

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) announces an additional booking slot at the Neopanamax Locks for booking dates beginning October 15, 2026, increasing daily capacity from nine to ten slots. Supported by improving water conditions and favorable hydrological projections, the slot will be offered through Booking Period 2 at the opening of the 2nd Period Competition on October 1, 2026, increasing total daily capacity to 33 transit slots across the Neopanamax and Panamax Locks and providing customers with greater access and planning flexibility.

Additionally, taking into consideration the most recent precipitation levels recorded in September in the Canal watershed and the effectiveness of the water-saving measures implemented at the locks, and based on the current and projected level of Gatun Lake for the following weeks, the maximum authorized draught for vessels transiting the Neopanamax Locks is hereby set effective immediately and until further

notice at 14.94 m (49.0 feet).

Therefore, effective September 29, 2026, for booking dates beginning October 15, 2026, the following rules will apply in the Neopanamax Locks: There will No customer limitation on the number of slots that may be awarded per booking date or week, and customers will be allowed to obtain booking slots for consecutive dates.