Panama Canal will cap daily transits as El Nino set to reduce water levels
Under the new measures, the canal will limit daily transits as of Sept. 4 to 34 vessels, and reduce the number to 32 as of Sept. 15.
The Panama Canal Authority announced on Thursday that it will cap daily transits starting early September as it prepares for a lengthy El Niño season, which is set to lower water levels. This decision marks a change from a previous commitment not to restrict vessel passage. As of September 4, the canal will limit daily transits to 34 vessels, reducing to 32 as of September 15.
This is a drop from the average of 35 transits per day in the first six months of 2026, which equates to around 40 crossings daily. The canal typically handles up to 40 crossings per day, but capacity will be capped at nine slots at Neopanamax locks and 25 slots at Panamax locks as of September 4. By September 15, this number will decrease further to 23 slots at the Panamax locks.
The waterway had been implementing water conservation measures since 2025, but authorities now warn that the expected severity of the 2026-2027 El Niño could further reduce rainfall and inflows, potentially endangering the canal's sustainability and local water supplies. To combat this, the canal authority has postponed draft restrictions planned for September 2 and October 1.
El Niño this year may persist longer than usual, requiring the canal to limit transit capacity, similar to measures taken during droughts in 2023 and 2024. Panama Canal administrator Ricaurte Vasquez emphasized the canal's preparedness, noting that they have learned from past experiences and remain disciplined in addressing unforeseen challenges.
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