Panama Canal Increases Daily Transit Slots, Eases Restrictions

Two additional slots will be auctioned for transit dates starting from March 18, with another slot available for dates starting from March 25.

From March 18 to 25, the daily transit capacity for Neopanamax vessels will remain at seven, while the capacity for Panamax ships will increase from 17 to 20, bringing the total daily transits to 27 from the current 24. The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) stated that these measures would improve the chances of obtaining a reservation for the majority of vessels seeking to transit the Canal.

This update comes as a welcome relief to shipowners and operators, as the ACP had previously indicated that there would be no changes to restrictions before April due to low water levels in the Gatun Lakes. The ACP emphasized that it is closely monitoring the water situation and will announce any necessary changes on time.