The Panama Canal is slowly returning to normal operations after over a year of restrictions due to a severe drought, with the Canal Authority announcing an increase in the number of daily transits.

Published 5 months ago, updated 4 months ago

Water levels of Gatun and Alhajuela Lakes, have now surpassed the levels recorded on the same date in 2023, with the start of the rainy season according to the Panama Canal Authority (PCA).  Waterway data indicates that as of May 30, Gatun Lake levels stood at 81.142 feet, an increase from 80.384 feet a year ago.

As a result, the Authority has announced an increase in the maximum authorized draft of the Panama Canal’s Neopanamax locks to 45 feet, bringing it closer to the normal limit of 50 feet.  In addition to the draft increase, the number of daily transits in the Panamax locks has risen from 17 to 24 as of May 16 and from June 1, daily transits in the Neopanamax locks increased from 7 to 8. The adjustment takes the total number of vessel transits per day to 32.

Waiting time and transits for yachts

According to Erick Galvez from Centario & Co current transit conditions will remain for small craft/recreational vessels with two to three per day during the week and three to four per weekend.  Waiting time at the moment is about three to four days after arrival.

“Also please note that we are back to the system where yachts can only request a transit date once they have arrived onsite,” Erik told Noonsite.  “Previously we could request a transit date without the yacht being here physically.  However it has changed back to the normal procedure of upon arrival to canal waters, we may then request a transit date.

“For next year we anticipate waiting times for yachts to transit starting from five to seven days increasing in February with the arrival of the rallies, carnival holidays and heavy arrivals to about seven to 20 or more days.”

In a note to its members the Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA) said yachts were still arriving and transiting un-booked with waiting times fluctuating daily.  The SSCA also confirmed wait times between three to four days, but sometimes this could be up to five, six or even seven days according to information they received from Associated Yacht Services.

Monitoring the weather

The Panama Canal Authority continues to monitor weather conditions daily to respond to the increased inflows to the watershed and implement necessary operational actions.  The authority said the adjustment, originally scheduled to take effect on June 15, was implemented earlier due to the expected onset of the rainy season in the Panama Canal Watershed and the current and projected levels of Gatun Lake over the coming weeks.

2023 Rainfall Deficit

In 2023, a rainfall deficit, exacerbated by the El Niño weather phenomenon, led to the water levels in Lake Gatun dropping. The twin demands of the canal and the local population left the lake facing a water deficit of 3bn litres a day.

In December 2023, Lake Gatun’s water level was reported to be close to the lowest point ever recorded during a rainy season, forcing the Panama Canal Authority(PCA) who manages the waterway to restrict the number of vessels passing through.

The PCA said October 2023 was the driest since 1950, with 41% less rainfall than usual.

Subsequent Update from Associated Yacht Services – 1 July, 2024

Today July 1st, 2024 Mr. Jose Raul Mulino was sworn in as Panama’s new President for the next 5 years period.

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The latest Advisory To Shipping No. A-20-2024 shows an increase in the number of Booking slots, Draft and transits
in the Neopanama locks / Panamax locks.

Panamax locks: The original & old locks opened operations to the world in August 15th, 1914. This is the Canal that all yachts use.
Neopanamax locks: New locks opened operations to the world in June 26th, 2016. These locks are only used for the bigger ships (no yachts).

The Panama Canal has announced that, effective June 26, the maximum authorised draught was raised to 14.33 metres (from 46 to 47 feet),
and on July 11 will increase to 14.63 metres (48 feet).

The number of transit per day will increase as follows (the amount of transit is the combined between both Canal locks).

July 11th, 2024 to July 14th, 2024 : 33 transits
July 22nd, 2024 to August 2024 : 34 transits
August 5th, 2024 until further notice : 35 transits

Below link you can check the Gatun Lake level daily.

https://apps.pancanal.com/t/TI/views/GatunH2OIndicators/GatunWaterLevel?%3AisGuestRedirectFromVizportal=y&%3Aembed=y

Present Canal delays for unbooked yachts of 125 feet and up in length remains in ranges of 3 to 5 days.
Delays for yachts under 125 feet in length (Transit can not be Booked) running a few days.

Boats looking to arrive and transit are welcome to come even if they do not have a Booked transit.

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Related News:

• Panama Canal Authority Advisory to Shipping (June 2024)
• Panama Canal Increases Maximum Draft Ahead of Schedule (GCaptain May 2024)
• Climate Change Casts a Shadow Over the Future of the Panama Canal (The Guardian December 2023)

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