The Panama Canal Authority (PCA) on Aug. 20, 2026, announced temporary modifications to the locks' transit capacity including adjustments to its daily auctions, amid reduced precipitation in the canal watershed.

Effective Sept. 3, 2026, the number of daily slots available at the Neopanamax Locks will be adjusted to nine, and the daily slots available at the Panamax Locks will be 25. Meanwhile, the number of daily slots accessible at the Panamax Locks will be 23, as of Sept. 15, 2026, noted the Aug. 20 Advisory to Shipping.

"Despite the arrival of the rainy season in Panama, and the water-saving measures implemented by the Panama Canal to mitigate the adverse effects of the El Nino event, current watershed conditions, including below-expected precipitation in the Canal watershed, require additional action to support the long-term sustainability of transit operations," said PCA in a news release.

The PCA had announced on Aug. 5, 2026, that effective Aug. 26, 2026, the maximum authorized draft for vessels transiting the Neopanamax Locks will be reduced to 48 feet (14.63 meters). A further adjustment will take effect on Sept. 3, lowering the maximum draft to 47.5 feet (14.48 meters). However, on Aug. 20, 2026, PCA said, "Based on the current level of water in Gatun Lake and the latest weather projections, the Panama Canal will postpone until Sept. 2, 2026, the maximum authorized draft of 14.63 meters (48.0 feet) TFW in the Neopanamax Locks, scheduled to become effective on Aug. 26, 2026. And the maximum authorized draft adjustment of 14.48 meters (47.5 feet) TFW, scheduled to become effective on Sept. 3, 2026, will be postponed until Oct. 1, 2026."

PCA also announced on Aug. 28, 2026, temporary modifications to its Transit Reservation (Booking) System for Neopanamax vessels aimed at providing customers with greater flexibility, improving the distribution of available capacity across market segments, and encouraging the efficient use of water resources.

"The adjustments reflect the Panama Canal's continued commitment to its customers and to providing a safe, reliable, and efficient service. Developed following careful consideration of customer feedback and current operating conditions, the measures are designed to respond more effectively to customers' evolving needs while preserving the predictability and operational standards on which the maritime industry relies," noted the news release.

The changes will take effect Aug. 30, 2026, for booking dates beginning Sept. 13, 2026. Here is more detailed information in the Aug. 28 Advisory to Shipping: https://pancanal.com/….

While the water deficit in the canal watershed continues, PCA said customers are strongly encouraged to plan transits through the reservation system. "A confirmed reservation remains the only means of guaranteeing a specific transit date. Vessels arriving without a reservation may experience delays depending on demand and available capacity."

Freight Waves announced on Aug. 31, 2026, that "the Panama Canal set a new single-trip toll record amid looming traffic restrictions and global pressure on energy supplies. Canal officials confirmed that South Korea's SK Gas Ltd. bid $5.3 million for an auctioned Panama Canal transit slot for the liquefied petroleum gas carrier G. Spirit on Sept. 1, the highest reported price ever for the waterway linking the Pacific and Atlantic oceans."

Despite the drought conditions affecting the Canal due to El Nino, shipping has been disrupted because of the Middle East conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, causing shippers to look for other alternatives. Time will tell if there will be another new record in the Panama Canal transit auction.

Mary Kennedy can be reached at mary.kennedy@dtn.com

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