As a result of dry conditions affecting the projected levels of Gatun Lake, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has announced that, effective April 30, 2019, the Maximum Authorized Draft for vessels transiting the Neopanamax locks will be 13.41 meters (44.0 feet) Tropical Fresh Water (TFW). This is the fifth time this year the canal’s administrators have had to impose ever stricter draft limits amid an unprecedented drought.

Depending on the actual levels of Gatun Lake at the time, vessels arriving after April 30 with drafts over 13.41 meters (44.0 feet) TFW may be allowed to transit or may be required to trim or off-load cargo in order to proceed. As the complete vessel tonnage is considered, the impact will be on a container-by-container basis; however, impact to Transpacific cargo to the East Coast should be anticipated.

The latest draft restrictions bring more weather-related headaches to shipowners who will need to adjust how laden their ships are when transiting the key waterway.