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Web Alert: The Panama Canal announces its third draft restriction
News & Insights 18 April 2016
Further to the club's last update on the Panama Canal draft restrictions, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has issued a new Advisory to Shipping (no. A-18-2016) announcing a third draft restriction due to the effect of the drought caused by El Niño phenomenon on the Gatun Lake.
Further to the club's last updateon the Panama Canal draft restrictions, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has issued a new Advisory to Shipping (no. A-18-2016) announcing a third draft restriction due to the effect of the drought caused by El Niño phenomenon on the Gatun Lake.
With effect from 9 May, the maximum authorised transit draft will be set at 11.59m (38.0 feet) Tropical Fresh Water (TFW).
Vessels loaded to drafts over 11.59 meters (38 feet) prior to or on 11 April 2016, will have this restriction waived for transit, subject to safety considerations.
Vessels loaded after 11 April 2016 must comply with this new draft limitation.
However, vessels arriving with drafts over 11.59 meters (38 feet), TFW, may be allowed to transit after 9 May 2016, depending on the level of the Gatun Lake at the time of transit. Otherwise, in order to transit, they will be required to trim or off-load cargo.
Draft restrictions will be eliminated as soon as the Gatun Lake levels return to normal.
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has also issued an Advisory to Shipping (No. A-19-2016) informing that they will be accepting transit reservations for neo-panamax vessels w.e.f 27 June 2016 after the inauguration of the new expanded locks.
We strongly encourage members to ensure that their vessels which are due to transit the Panama Canal comply with the new draft limitations until further announcements are made by the ACP.