SIMIC

THE Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has lowered the maximum draft of vessels transiting the expanded Panama Canal's neopanamax locks due to an ongoing drought, reports Ventura, California's gCaptain.
The level of Gatun Lake has been falling faster than expected, putting pressure on the critical shipping route, the ACP said. In response, it has updated maximum drafts for the neopanamax locks in Advisories to Shipping A-14-2023 and A-16-2023.
The first 11 days of April saw precipitation levels in the Canal watershed plummet to 70 per cent below the historical average, with the water supplied by rivers to the watershed falling 80 per cent below average.
Effective April 19, 2023, the maximum authorised draft for vessels transiting the neopanamax locks has been set at 14.48 metres (47.5 feet) Tropical Fresh Water (TFW). Further reductions will take effect on April 27, May 5, and May 12, bringing the maximum authorised draft to 14.02 metres (46 feet) TFW.
The ACP said vessels must adhere to the maximum authorised draft at the time of transit, warning that waiting times for transit can vary, potentially causing a vessel to arrive in compliance with the maximum allowable draft but then be subject to a draft reduction while still awaiting transit.
The ACP advises that waiting times should be factored in when planning transit at or near the maximum authorized draft upon arrival.