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The latest news and developments from Panama, one of the world’s most important shipping nations.

Panama Canal announces second set of restriction easing in June

In the second such announcement within a month, the Panama Canal revealed further easing of draught and transit limits for the critical trade corridor.

Michele Labrut, Americas Correspondent

June 28, 2024

1 Min Read
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Through an Advisory to Shipping, the Panama Canal has announced that, effective June 26, the maximum authorised draught was raised to 14.33 metres (from 46 to 47 feet), and on July 11 will increase to 14.63 metres (48 feet).

Additionally, a new booking slot for the Neopanamax locks will be added beginning on August 5, bringing the total number of transits to 35 ships per day. 

The latest updates build on improvements announced earlier in June, which included an increase in daily transits from 32 to 33 beginning on July 11, and again to 34 on July 22.

This adjustment is anticipated to offer greater scheduling flexibility and alleviate some of the congestion issues that have plagued the canal in recent times due to a prolonged drought in the lakes which feed the waterway. The improved water levels and increased capacity are expected to streamline logistics and reduce delays, which have been a significant concern for global trade, exacerbated by the situation in the Red Sea.

Recent rainfall marks a positive turn for the Canal, potentially stabilising operations and restoring confidence among shippers.

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) which is celebrating 8 years of the expanded waterway, said its efforts demonstrate its commitment to maintaining the canal as a reliable and efficient route for global trade. The increased depth limits and additional transit slots are expected to play a pivotal role, accommodating larger vessels and heavier cargoes, thereby boosting the canal’s overall throughput and efficiency.
 

Related:Panama Canal's largest tanker deployed by Monjasa

About the Author

Michele Labrut

Americas Correspondent

Michèle Labrut is a long-time Panama resident, a journalist and correspondent, and has continuously covered the maritime sector of Central & Latin America.

Michèle first came to Panama as a press attaché to the French Embassy and then returned to the isthmus as a foreign correspondent in the 1980s.

Author of Seatrade Maritime's annual Panama Maritime Review magazine and of several books, Michèle also wrote for Time magazine, The Miami Herald, NBC News and the Economist Intelligence Unit. She has also collaborated in making several documentaries for the BBC and European and U.S. television networks.

Michèle's profession necessitates a profound knowledge of the country, but her acumen is not from necessity alone, but a genuine passion for Panama.

In 2012 she was awarded the Order of Merit (Knight grade) by the French Government for her services to international journalism and in 2021 the upgrade to Chevalier grade.

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