Panama Canal Adopts Additional Measures to Address Reduced Precipitation in the Canal Watershed

The Panama Canal Authority announced temporary modifications to lock transit capacity and the availability of daily auction slots due to below-expected precipitation in the Canal watershed and the adverse effects of the El Niño event. Beginning September 3, 2026, nine daily slots will be available at the Neopanamax Locks and twenty-five at the Panamax Locks; the latter will be reduced to twenty-three beginning September 15. Auction slots will be organized by vessel groups, with eligibility and priority rules intended to promote balanced allocation and maximize water-use efficiency. Previously scheduled adjustments to the maximum authorized draft at the Neopanamax Locks will also be postponed until September 2 and October 1, 2026. The Authority will continue monitoring weather conditions, watershed inflows, and lake levels to determine whether further operational adjustments are required.