Panama Canal Authority issued an advisory to yachts and small crafts

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) issued an advisory to yachts and small crafts.

The ongoing decline in precipitation within the Canal watershed throughout the entire year has necessitated the gradual implementation of water conservation measures by the ACP for most of 2023.

The current status of Gatun Lake and the rainfall outlook for the rest of the 2023 rainy season suggest that these measures are likely to persist through the approaching dry season and extend into the 2024 rainy season.

This situation may even necessitate the imposition of additional restrictions by the ACP.

While these measures are in place, it is expected that yachts and other small vessels with a length of up to 38.1 meters (125 feet) will encounter significant delays.

Organized yacht rallies and local tourist vessels should take this into account and make necessary adjustments to their transit plans, as the special handline lockage option will not be available.

This advisory was issued on 9 October 2023.

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

Yacht and Small Craft Transits while Water Conservation Measures are in Effect