Panama City, Panama, June 8, 2016 – The Panama Canal has announced the suspension of the last remaining draft restriction that initially first went into effect on April 18, 2016, as explained previously to all shipping agents, owners and operators working with the Canal.

Therefore, and until further notice, the maximum authorized draft for vessels transiting the Panama Canal will be up to 12.04 meters (39.5 feet) Tropical Fresh Water (TFW).

The weather forecast for the remainder of Panama’s rainy season indicates that no further draft restrictions will be required. However, the Panama Canal will continue to monitor and manage the water levels of Gatun Lake, and if necessary, any further draft restrictions will be announced with at least four weeks’ advance notice.

These temporary and preventative draft restrictions were originally implemented to ensure the continuous and safe operation of the Canal during the climate phenomenon El Niño, which resulted in the periodic warming of the tropical Pacific Ocean, changing the rainfall patterns in many regions of the planet.

The Canal will continue to provide information on the measures being taken and closely monitor the situation to ensure the security and efficiency of its services.

About the Panama Canal Authority
The Panama Canal is run by an autonomous agency of the Government of Panama in charge of managing, operating and maintaining the Panama Canal. The operation of the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) is based on its organic law and the regulations approved by its Board of Directors. For more information, please refer to the ACP’s website: http://www.pancanal.com  or follow us on Twitter @thepanamacanal.