28/08/2026
⚠️ Latest Temporary Restrictions for Panama Canal
Due to insufficient rainfall across the watershed, the Panama Canal has released new temporary operational measures:
✅ Daily transit quota adjustment
1. Effective Sep 3, 2026: Neopanamax daily slots reduced to 9; Panamax daily slots set at 25.
2. Effective Sep 15, 2026: Panamax daily slots will be further cut down to 23.
✅ Auction slot re‑classification
Starting Sep 3, auction slots for Neopanamax, Supers and Regular vessels are divided into 4 groups:
Group1: LNG / LPG carriers
Group2: Dry bulk & general cargo vessels
Group3: Container ships, Ro‑Ro & re**er vessels
Group4: Chemical tankers, crude oil & product tankers
✅ Draft limitation postponement
• Max draft 48.0ft (14.63m), originally Aug 26, delayed to Sep 2.
• Max draft 47.5ft (14.48m), originally Sep 3, postponed to Oct 1.
📌 Important operational note:
Vessels without confirmed reservations will face much longer waiting times. Only confirmed booking guarantees transit date.
The canal authority will keep monitoring water levels, further restrictions may be rolled out.
💡 Market impact: Tighter slot availability. Rate hikes are expected for routes via Panama Canal (US East Coast, Latin America, Asia‑East trade). Secure your space in advance.