Panama Canal raises Neopanamax draft and daily transits
The Panama Canal Authority has increased the maximum authorized Neopanamax draft to 49 feet (14.94 meters) tropical fresh water and will raise daily Neopanamax transits from nine to ten starting October 15, bringing total lock capacity to 33 vessels per day. The moves reverse summer restrictions imposed during below-normal rainfall and a developing El Niño after precipitation returned closer to historical averages and water-saving measures were applied. The canal emphasized the watershed remains in a water deficit, that the Transit Reservation System still controls guaranteed passage, and that officials will keep monitoring conditions and could adjust limits again.
Neopanamax draft increased to 49 feet and daily transits rose to ten.
Context
Rainfall fell below normal this year and led to draft and slot cuts. The canal then used…
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