The Panama Canal will maintain the current maximum authorized draft for vessels transiting the Neopanamax Locks which will allow customers to continue operating under the existing 14.63-meter (48.0-foot) Tropical Fresh Water (TFW) limit.

A previously announced reduction to 14.48 meters (47.5 feet) TFW, which was scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2026, has been postponed. The decision follows the Canal’s latest review of Gatun Lake levels and weather projections.

Keeping the current draft in place gives customers greater continuity for voyage planning and vessel deployment. It also reflects the Panama Canal’s focus on responding to changing conditions in a way that supports its customers while preserving safe and efficient operations.

The Canal will continue evaluating water conditions and will provide advance notice of any future changes that may affect vessel draft requirements. This ongoing monitoring is part of its broader commitment to offering customers a reliable, predictable, and efficient service.

Panama Canal Authority press release