Panama · Shipping
Key Facts
—New Draft Limit The maximum authorized draft drops to 49.0 feet on July 24, 2026, and further to 48.5 feet from August 15, 2026.
—Reason Strengthening El Niño conditions are forecast to bring significantly lower rainfall to the Panama Canal Watershed, reducing water levels in Gatun Lake.
—Transit Numbers Unchanged The Panama Canal Authority has not reduced the number of daily ship transits, maintaining its May 2026 decision to rule out transit restrictions through December 31.
