The Panama Canal Authority is taking proactive measures, concerning booking, to ensure the Canal’s smooth operation as the dry season has presented the global waterway with many challenges.
Specifically, the Panama Canal Authority announced that Booking Condition 3 for the Panamax Locks will be extended until Saturday September 2, 2023. The suspension of the extraordinary auctions in the Panamax Locks, as well as the Neopanamax locks, will also be extended until September 2, 2023.
To remind, since late July, the daily transit capacity was adjusted to an average of 32 vessels per day, normally distributed among the Panamax and Neopanamax locks.
In addition, beginning at 0400 hours on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, until 1600 hours on Friday, September 1, 2023 (11 days), the sidewall culvert on the West Lane of Gatun Locks will be out of service for scheduled maintenance to the rising stem valves.
Furthermore, the Authority notes that although the West Lane will remain available, the lockage will require additional time.
