Panama Canal Deepens Draft Restrictions as El Niño Strengthens

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) will further reduce the maximum authorized draft for vessels transiting its Neopanamax locks later this summer, tightening restrictions as forecasts point to a strengthening El Niño that could reduce rainfall across the canal watershed.

In an advisory issued July 1, the ACP announced that the maximum authorized draft will be lowered to 49.0 feet (14.94 meters) tropical fresh water (TFW) effective July 24, followed by a further reduction to 48.5 feet (14.78 meters) beginning August 15. The reductions follow the initial cut to 49.5 feet that took effect on July 3. 

The canal authority said the changes are part of its water management