Panama Canal Deepens Draft Restrictions as El Niño Strengthens
The Panama Canal Authority is tightening draft restrictions for Neopanamax lock transits due to El Niño-driven drought forecasts, reducing the maximum authorized draft in stages from 49.5 ft (July 3) to 49.0 ft (July 24) and then 48.5 ft (August 15). While traffic volumes remain near capacity at ~38 daily transits, the progressive draft reductions may force vessel load adjustments and create scheduling constraints for larger ships.