The Panama Canal has announced a seasonal adjustment to the maximum authorized draft for Neopanamax vessels, as part of its ongoing water management and operational planning strategy. According to the Panama Canal Authority, the new maximum draft for ships transiting the Neopanamax locks will be set at 49.5 feet (15.09 meters) beginning on July 3, 2026, based on current and projected water levels in Gatún Lake for the coming weeks.

The Canal said the measure is intended to support the sustainability of its operations and forms part of a broader strategy focused on preserving water resources while maintaining reliable service. The adjustment will not affect the number of daily transits, and its impact is expected to be limited to less than 1.7% of Neopanamax vessels that use the Canal.

According to the ACP, the decision complements water-saving measures that have been in place since December 2025 in preparation for the 2026 dry season and in response to the possibility of an El Niño event developing during the second half of the year, potentially extending into 2027 and affecting water availability.

The Authority noted that this type of preventive seasonal draft adjustment is a routine measure during the dry season, but it had not been necessary for approximately two years due to favorable conditions in 2025, which brought abundant rainfall, as well as an unusually wet dry season in 2026. These factors helped the Canal maintain strong storage levels in its reservoirs.

The Canal also said the decision reflects lessons learned during the 2023–2024 water deficit, and is based on the analysis of historical statistics, technical measurements, and hydrological projections designed to anticipate risk scenarios and allow timely operational decisions. Canal specialists continue to closely monitor climate and hydrological conditions in the watershed, along with weather forecasts, to assess the possible evolution of El Niño and determine whether any additional measures may be required in the coming months.