The Panama Canal draft increase raises Neopanamax draft to 48 feet from August 26, easing drought-era limits and boosting cargo capacity for trade.
Latin America · Trade
Key Facts
Draft increase — maximum authorised draft rises to 48.0 feet (14.63 meters) from August 26, 2026.
Further rise — draft climbs to 48.5 feet (14.78 meters) from September 3, 2026.
Lake recovery — Gatun Lake levels have recovered after severe drought, enabling deeper transits.
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