Low water on Gatun Lake restrict Panama transits to 12 metres
THE Panama Canal Authority has announced that the maximum authorised transit draft restriction of 11.89 metres will still be in effect on September 8 and will continue until conditions permit deeper drafts, depending on the level of the Gatun Lake.
Vessels arriving after this date with drafts over the above depth may be allowed to transit the canal, if the water level at the time of arrival permits, according to Advisory to Shipping A-24-2015.
Should the level of the lake continue to drop and additional restrictions need to be applied, they will be announced at least four weeks in advance, reported GAC Hot Port News.