Panama Canal Expands Neopanamax Capacity to 10 Daily

The Panama Canal Authority has increased the maximum authorized draft for Neopanamax vessels to 49 feet and raised daily Neopanamax transits from nine to ten, effective October 15, 2026, boosting total daily capacity to 33 vessels. The announcement on September 28, 2026, sets the draft at 14.94 meters, or 49.0 feet, Tropical Fresh Water, effective immediately. This reverses earlier restrictions and provides critical relief to shipping lines facing heightened competition for limited canal slots amid global routing disruptions.

Recent draft reductions and capacity constraints

Earlier in 2026, the Canal progressively reduced the Neopanamax draft, bringing the limit down to 48 feet in early September. Daily transit capacity was reduced with Neopanamax slots cut to nine beginning September 3. Panamax capacity was lowered to 23 slots beginning September 15. These cuts reflected water scarcity despite near-average rainfall. A further reduction to 47.5 feet had been scheduled for October 1 before the Canal scrapped that planned cut earlier this month.

Conservation measures and ongoing water challenges

The Canal introduced conservation measures since the severe 2023-24 drought, including greater use of the Neopanamax locks’ water-saving basins and simultaneous lockages where possible. The latest improvement follows precipitation close to historical averages and these water-saving measures at the locks. The decision reflects the current and projected level of Gatun Lake. Despite the improved outlook, Canal officials cautioned that the watershed remains in a water deficit. A water deficit persists in the canal watershed. The authority will continue to monitor water conditions and rainfall levels closely and communicate additional adjustments as circumstances permit.

Reservation system and scheduling pressures

The Transit Reservation System remains the only way for vessels to guarantee a transit date. Ships arriving without reservations could face indefinite delays, according to the latest Advisory to Shipping. The combination of higher demand and reduced Canal capacity increased competition for reservations and last-minute auction slots. Traffic through Panama has been elevated at times this year due to disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea, and Suez Canal forcing operators to reconsider routing options. Lori-Ann LaRocco said: "It’s a good time to be an ocean carrier or tanker owner."

The increase in daily Neopanamax transits to ten is effective from October 15, 2026.