Based on the present and projected level of Gatun Lake for the upcoming weeks, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) announced that effective March 1, 2023, the maximum authorized draft allowed for vessels transiting the Neopanamax locks will be 15.09 m (49.5 feet) TFW.
Vessels arriving with drafts over 15.09 m (49.5 feet) TFW may be allowed to transit past March 1, 2023, depending on the actual level of Gatun Lake at the time of transit. Otherwise, they will be required to trim or off-load cargo in order to be allowed to transit.
Draft reductions will be announced in 15.24 cm (6 inch) decrements, generally with at least four weeks advance notice.
The ACP will continue to monitor the level of Gatun Lake in order to announce future draft adjustments in a timely manner.
Earlier in January, Panama Canal informed that a disruption charge is being applied for non-self-propelled vessels (dead tows and dead ships).
This charge is applied, in addition to applicable tolls and other marine tariffs, as follows:
- Low impact disruption charge (regular vessel with LOA <300 feet): $ 15,000.00
- Low impact disruption charge (regular vessel with LOA ≥300 feet): $ 20,000.00
- Low impact disruption charge (super): $ 40,000.00
- Low impact disruption charge (neopanamax): $ 65,000.00
- High impact disruption charge (regular vessel with LOA <300 feet): $ 49,000.00
- High impact disruption charge (regular with LOA ≥300 feet): $ 65,000.00
- High impact disruption charge (super): $ 125,000.00
- High impact disruption charge (neopanamax/panamax plus): $ 250,000.00
- Dead tow surcharge (regular with LOA <300 feet): $ 38,000.00
- Dead Tow surcharge (regular with LOA ≥300 feet): $ 50,000.00
- Dead tow surcharge (super): $ 100,000.00
- Dead tow surcharge (neopanamax): $ 175,000.00
- Dead ship surcharge (regular with LOA <300 feet): $ 75,000.00
- Dead ship surcharge (regular with LOA ≥300 feet): $ 100,000.00
- Dead ship surcharge (super): $ 150,000.00
- Dead ship surcharge (neopanamax): $ 250,000.00
