The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has announced it will increase both the number of daily vessel transits and the maximum allowed draught, offering some relief to global shipping after months of restrictions caused by low water levels.

What Is Changing at the Canal

Starting 15 October 2026, the ACP will raise the number of daily transits through the Neo-panamax locks to 10, bringing the combined total for Neo-panamax and Panamax locks to 33 slots per day. This is up from 32 daily transits that had been in effect since 15 September, and from 34 slots set on 3 September. The canal's normal maximum capacity is 38 daily transits, so the current level remains below full capacity even after the increase.

Why the Restrictions Happened

The ACP had been cutting transits and draught limits over recent months because rainfall in Panama was reduced by a strong El Nino effect, lowering water levels in the Gatun Lake watershed that feeds the canal's locks. These restrictions combined with other pressures on global shipping, including conflict in the Middle East and congestion at major East Asian ports, to create uncertainty around canal capacity. That uncertainty reportedly pushed the price for a single transit slot at auction to a record $5.3 million in August.

Draught Limits Also Increasing

Along with more transits, the ACP is raising the maximum authorised draught for vessels using the Neo-panamax locks to 14.94 metres (49.0 feet), effective immediately and until further notice. This reverses a planned reduction in draught that had been scheduled for 1 October but was suspended earlier in September once rainfall improved. The ACP said the change reflects abundant recent rainfall in Panama, close-to-average precipitation in the canal watershed, and water-saving measures already in place at the locks.

The Canal Authority's Caution

Despite the improvements, the ACP was clear that conditions are not fully back to normal. The authority said a water deficit persists in the canal watershed, and it continues to advise that the Transit Reservation (Booking) System remains the only way for vessels to guarantee a transit date. The ACP said it will keep monitoring water and rainfall levels closely and will communicate any further adjustments in a timely manner as conditions allow, leaving open the possibility that transit numbers or draught limits could change again depending on weather patterns.

What This Means for Shippers and Cargo Owners

For shippers, importers, exporters and freight forwarders, the increase in daily transits and draught should ease some of the bottleneck pressure that has built up around the canal in recent months. More slots and deeper draught allowances may help reduce the bidding pressure that drove transit slot prices to record highs, which could translate into somewhat more predictable routing options and potentially less pressure on freight rates tied to canal congestion. However, the water deficit warning means booking through the Transit Reservation System remains important for anyone who needs a guaranteed transit date, rather than relying on spot availability. Given that transit numbers have shifted several times in recent weeks and the ACP has flagged that further adjustments are possible, shippers should continue monitoring canal advisories closely when planning transit times and should build some flexibility into schedules that depend on Panama Canal passage. Tracking vessel movements and canal notices remains a practical way to anticipate delays before they affect delivery commitments.

Sources: seatrade-maritime.com