Panama Restrictions

[DeepFrz]

Have the recently imposed draft restrictions caused any restrictions or increased fees to our cruising community? The 6th draft restriction is now scheduled for June 12 and will affect heavy shipping through the canal due to the climate change caused drought in Panama. Just wondering how, or if, the canal authority are restricting pleasure boat passages.

[sailorboy1]

What, 6’ max?

[GordMay]

As of Wednesday, the current maximum draft restriction in Gatun Lake is 47 feet, or 14.33 meters. For dry bulk, Neopanamax and Capesize ships cannot transit the canal at a 47-foot (14.33-meter) draft, as they require maximum drafts of 15 meters and 20 meters, respectively.
Further draft adjustments will be announced in 12-inch decrements, with advance notice of four weeks, the ACP said.
Vessels arriving after May 28 with drafts over the maximum may be allowed to transit, 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 be allowed to transit.
It takes 55 million gallons of fresh water per day, to bring ships through the waterway.
More ➥ https://www.joc.com/port-news/panama..._20190507.html

[DeepFrz]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

What, 6’ max?

Nope, but if the lake levels have dropped that much the Canal Authority may restrict passage of pleasure craft or raise the rates. Just wondering if anyone has been affected.

[Paul L]

On one of my N to S transits on a handline boat we went straight through overnight instead of stopping in Lake Gatun. The Advisor said they were trying to minimize lock openings to conserve water in Lake Gatun. Normally cruising boats only do daylight transits.

[Dsanduril]

We went through 5 weeks ago, draft restrictions in place. Yachts go through the old canal with smaller ships, would take a lot more restriction to affect those transits. In essence we go through in 'leftover' space and that is least likely to be affected (it wouldn't be leftover for us if they could fit two bigger vessels).

The Canal Authority tries to post tariff changes well in advance, not aware of any on the near horizon.