The Panama Canal is preparing to tighten draught limits for neopanamax vessels again, in another sign that water risk is returning to one of shipping’s most important chokepoints.

The Panama Canal Authority has told ship agents, owners and operators that it will reduce the maximum authorised draught at its neopanamax locks to 14.94 m, or 49 ft, in tropical fresh water from July 24. A further reduction to 14.78 m, or 48.5 ft, will follow on August 15.

The authority said the move forms part of its water management strategy to keep the canal operating safely and reliably under current hydrological conditions, while also taking account of the possible development of an El Niño phenomenon over the watershed in the coming months. It said lake levels and hydrological projections would continue to be monitored, with further operational adjustments announced if required.

The cut is not yet a repeat of the severe restrictions that disrupted canal transits during the 2023-24 drought, when daily booking slots were slashed and many operators were forced to reroute. But it is a clear signal that the canal is again moving into defensive water management before the next dry season.

Sam Chambers