The Panama Canal Authority has increased the maximum authorised draught at the waterway to 45 ft (13.7 m). This adjustment, originally scheduled to take effect on June 15, was expedited thanks to the onset of the rainy season in the Panama Canal Watershed and level of Gatun Lake.
As of May 16, the number of daily transits in the Panamax locks increased from 17 to 24, and effective 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 per day to 32.
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.
