The Panama Canal will keep the existing maximum authorized draft for ships navigating its Neopanamax Locks, according to Hellenic Shipping News. This decision allows customers to continue operating under the current 14.63-meter (48.0-foot) Tropical Fresh Water (TFW) limit.
A previously announced reduction to 14.48 meters (47.5 feet) TFW, which was scheduled to be implemented on October 1, 2026, has been postponed. This means the stricter draft limit will not take effect as planned.
The maintenance of the current draft limits provides continuity for shipping operations through the canal. Vessels will not face the anticipated restriction that would have reduced their maximum permissible depth for transit.
