The Panama Canal Authority has issued Advisory to announce that effective May 9,2016 the maximum authorized transit draft is set at 11.59m (38.0 feet) Tropical Fresh Water (TFW)
Specifically:
- Vessels loaded to drafts over 11.59 meters (38.0 feet) prior to or on April 11,2016 will have this draft restriction waived for transit, subject to safety considerations
- Vessels loaded after April 11, 2016 shall comply with this new draft limitation
- Vessels arriving with drafts over 11.59 m (38.0 feet), TWF may be allowed to transit after May 9, 2016 depending on the level of Gatun Lake at the time of transit. Otherwise, they will be required to trim or off-load cargo in order to transit.
As in the past, draft restrictions will be implemented in 15-centimeter (six-inch) decrements at a time, with each restriction announced at least four weeks in advance. Vessel already loaded to the prevailing draft limitation at the time of announcing the new draft restriction will have this restriction waived for transit, subject to safety considerations.
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 29.40C. Vessels shall arrive at Canal waters with no list.
The Panama Canal Authority will eliminate these draft restrictions as soon as Gatun Lake level returns to normal.
Source: Panama Canal Authority
