Panama Canal Slots Tighten

The Panama Canal is tightening daily vessel capacity as below-average rainfall and El Niño raise concerns over water availability across the watershed. Beginning Sept. 3, Neopanamax booking slots will drop from 10 to nine per day, while Panamax slots will fall from 26 to 25 before declining again to 23 on Sept. 15.

Draft restrictions have also been delayed, with the 48-foot limit moving to Sept. 2 and the 47.5-foot restriction postponed until Oct. 1. Rainfall from May through August is running 34% below the historical average, and forecasts suggest El Niño could further suppress precipitation through the remainder of the wet season.

For shippers, fewer transit slots could tighten lane availability, increase booking pressure and contribute to higher costs or schedule variability. MSC and CMA CGM have already adjusted Panama Canal-related surcharges.

TLC is monitoring capacity, carrier pricing and routing conditions as they develop. Shippers with Panama-dependent freight should stay flexible on timing and routing. Connect with TLC to keep upcoming shipments on track as canal conditions evolve.