The Panama Canal is the shortest sea route between the Atlantic and the Pacific. Its locks are fed by Gatun Lake, which fills with rainwater. When the lake level falls, the canal has to limit ships’ draft and the number of daily transits. Summer 2026 was such a period.
Summer 2026: drought and restrictions
- According to the Panama Canal Authority, May–August rainfall was 34% below the historical average, and inflows to the watershed fell 44% below normal.
- The maximum permitted draft in the Neopanamax locks was cut from 49.5 feet in early July to 49 feet on 24 July and 48.5 feet on 15 August. Further cuts to 48 and 47.5 feet were postponed several times.
- Daily transits were capped at 34 ships from 4 September and 32 from 15 September. Until the end of June, the average was 35 transits a day.
End of September: relief
In an advisory published on 28 September, the Canal Authority eased the restrictions based on the current and projected level of Gatun Lake:
| New rule | |
|---|---|
| Neopanamax maximum draft | 14.94 m (49.0 ft), effective immediately until further notice |
| Neopanamax daily transits (from 15 October) | 10 |
| Total daily transit capacity (Neopanamax + Panamax) | 33 |
The 47.5-foot draft cut planned for 1 October was also cancelled. The canal reminded users that the booking system is the only way to guarantee a transit date and that vessels without a reservation may face long waits.
Traffic over the year
In the first ten months of fiscal year 2026, 10,623 deep-draft vessels passed through the canal, 6.1% more than the 10,010 transits in the same period a year earlier. The restrictions were concentrated in the summer months.
Why does it matter?
- Asia–US East Coast: When the canal is unavailable on this trade, ships divert to Suez or the Cape of Good Hope, changing the distribution of global fleet capacity.
- Dry bulk and LPG: Grain and LPG cargo from the US Gulf to Asia depends on the canal. Draft restrictions mean ships transit with less cargo.
- Freight: Every reduction in transit capacity increases waiting times and costs on the trades concerned.
Frequently asked questions
Why is draft restricted at the Panama Canal?
The locks run on fresh water from Gatun Lake. When rainfall drops, the lake level falls and the depth available for safe passage decreases.
Have the restrictions been fully lifted?
No. Draft was raised to 49 feet and daily capacity to 33 transits, but these values are below July levels. The Canal Authority says the watershed is still in deficit.
Sources
- Panama Canal Authority: Panama Canal announces increase in draft and daily transit
- AJOT: Panama Canal announces increase in draft and daily transit
- gCaptain: Panama Canal scraps planned October draft cut—for now
- Marine Link: Panama Canal to cap daily transits
- La Estrella de Panamá: Panama Canal raises transits to 33 and draft to 49 feet (in Spanish)
This article is based on sources published up to 26 October 2026.