On June 27, the Panama Canal Authority announced an increase to its draft and daily transits. An Advisory to Shipping stated that the maximum authorized draft was raised last week from 46 to 47 feet (14.33 meters), and will increase to 48 feet (14.063 meters) on July 11.
Additionally, a new booking slot for the Neopanamax locks will be added beginning on August 5, bringing the total number of transits to 35 ships per day.
The updates build on improvements announced earlier in June, which included an increase in daily transits from 32 to 33 beginning on July 11, and again to 34 on July 22. The Canal’s continued progression is informed by the current and projected water levels of Gatun Lake, and the arrival of the rainy season in the Panama Canal watershed (source: Panama Canal Authority).