An official statement noted that the action is part of the preventative measures that guarantee water availability and the continuity of operations on the interoceanic waterway in the face of the El Nino effects.

The notice issued to shipping companies, starting August 26, stated that the maximum authorized draft will be 48 feet (14.63 meters), and a further reduction to 47.5 feet (14.48 meters) will take effect on September 3.

The waterway administration explained that the decision is based on current levels and projections for Lake Gatun in the coming weeks, the main freshwater reserve used for operating the locks and supplying a significant portion of the Panamanian population.

It specified that the draft adjustment will not affect the number of daily vessel transits and is part of the water and operational management strategy implemented since December 2025, with a view to facing the 2026 dry season and preserving water resources.

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