The Panama Canal Authority has decided to increase the maximum authorised draft to 45 feet (13.7 metres) due to an earlier-than-expected onset of the rainy season in the Panama Canal Watershed.

The authority said in its advisory to shipping that the present and projected water level of Gatun Lake in the following weeks warrants the immediate effectiveness of the authorised draft.

As of May 16, the number of daily transits in the Panamax locks increased from 17 to 24, and starting June 1, the number of daily transits in the Neopanamax locks will increase from 7 to 8. This adjustment will raise the total number of vessel transits daily to 32.

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Since May 26, the water levels of Gatun and Alhajuela Lakes have, for the first time in 2024, risen above those recorded on the same date in 2023, due to the onset of the rainy season.

The Panama Canal monitors the existing weather conditions daily to implement the necessary operational actions in response to the increased inflows to the watershed.