The Panama Canal is easing drought-related restrictions after improved rainfall and water-saving measures stabilized conditions. The maximum draft for Neopanamax vessels has increased from 48 to 49 feet (14.94 meters), allowing larger ships to carry more cargo.
Starting October 15, daily Neopanamax transits will increase from nine to 10, bringing total capacity across the Canal’s locks to 33 vessels per day, the GCaptain reports. The change reverses earlier restrictions caused by low rainfall and declining Gatun Lake levels.
Improved rainfall and conservation measures have helped, but officials warn that the watershed remains in a water deficit. The easing provides relief to global shipping companies facing disruptions on other routes, although vessels still need reservations to guarantee transit dates and delays remain possible.
