Panama Canal announces increased booking slots and draft adjustment

The Panama Canal Authority issued advisory to shipping No. A-20-2024 regarding the increase in Neopanamax and Panamax booking slots and an adjustment in the draft for transiting vessels.

Effective August 5, 2024, an additional booking slot for the Neopanamax Locks will be available, raising the total slots for both Neopanamax and Panamax Locks to 35. This slot can be booked starting July 22, 2024.

Due to recent rainfall in the Canal watershed, the maximum authorized draft for vessels transiting the Neopanamax Locks has been increased. Effective immediately, the draft is 14.33 meters (47 feet) and will further increase to 14.63 meters (48 feet) on July 11, 2024.

Additionally, starting July 11, 2024, one slot from the Supers category will be transferred from Booking Period 3 to Booking Period 2, with the new allocation taking effect on June 27, 2024.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

Increase in the Number of Neopanamax and Panamax Booking Slots, Draft Adjustment and other Information Regarding the Transit Reservation System