The Panama Canal Authority announced the increase of the maximum allowable beam for commercial and non-commercial vessels passing through the Neopanamax Locks. Starting from 27 April 2018, the maximum authorized draft is 14.63m (48.0 feet) Tropical Fresh Water (TFW), based on levels of Gatun Lake.
Vessels arriving with drafts over 14.63m (48.0 feet) TFW may be allowed to transit after 27 April 2018, 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 transit.
The maximum authorized transit draft is the deepest point of immersion in TFW permitted for a particular vessel in Gatun Lake. Water density of Gatun Lake is 0.9954 at 29.4 deg. C (85 deg. F). Vessels shall arrive at Canal waters with no list.