Panama Canal issues advisories on the postponement of draft limits, high demand surcharge, and maintenance

The Panama Canal Authority has recently issued three advisories.

Postponement of the Maximum Authorized Draft for Vessels Transiting the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal Authority has decided to postpone the implementation of new maximum authorized draft limits for the Neopanamax and panamax locks.

This decision is due to the favorable weather conditions experienced in the Canal watershed over the past few days.

The previous maximum authorized drafts of 13.41 m (44.0 feet) TFW for Neopanamax locks and 12.04 m (39.5 feet) TFW for panamax locks will continue to be in effect until further notice.

The originally scheduled changes of 13.26 m (43.5 feet) TFW for Neopanamax locks on June 25, 2023, and 11.89 m (39.0 feet) TFW for panamax locks on July 9, 2023, have been postponed.

Extension of the Day for High Demand Surcharge for Neopanamax Vessels Offered on Friday

Until further notice, the Panama Canal Authority has extended the period of high demand surcharge, as mentioned in the Advisory to Shipping A-34-2022 and Advisory to Shipping No. A-38-2022, which designates Friday as the designated day of high demand.

Scheduled Maintenance at Gatun Locks and the Transit Reservation System

From 0400 hours on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, to 1600 hours on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, the sidewall culvert on the East Lane of Gatun Locks will undergo scheduled maintenance on rising stem valves.

While the East Lane will still be accessible, lockages may take longer than usual.

There will be no decrease in capacity, so Condition 1.a for the Panamax locks will remain in effect.

Just-In-Time (JIT) transit slots will continue to be available for supers and regular vessels without restrictions, with one slot per direction.

The slots for Neopanamax vessels will also remain unchanged during this period.

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

Postponement of the Maximum Authorized Draft for Vessels Transiting the Panama Canal

Extension of the Day for High Demand Surcharge for Neopanamax Vessels Offered on Friday

Scheduled Maintenance at Gatun Locks and the Transit Reservation System