Panama Canal Scraps Planned October Draft Cut—for Now

The Panama Canal has postponed a planned reduction in the maximum draft for vessels using its Neopanamax locks, offering some near-term relief for ship operators even as the waterway continues to manage capacity amid concerns over a strengthening El Niño.

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) said Friday it will maintain the current maximum authorized draft of 48 feet (14.63 meters) Tropical Fresh Water for Neopanamax vessels.

A further reduction to 47.5 feet (14.48 meters), which had been scheduled to take effect October 1, has now been postponed following the canal’s latest review of Gatun Lake levels and weather forecasts.

The decision