Panama Canal increases allowed length for Neopanamax locks

In the framework of the five years of operation of the expanded Canal, the interoceanic route announced the increase in the length allowed for ships that pass through the neopanamax locks.

Since May, the length has gone from 367.28 meters (1,205 feet) to 370.33 meters (1,215 feet). The increase means that now a large part (96.8%) of the global container ship fleet can transit through the Panama Canal, shortening routes and benefiting economies around the world.

"This change was possible thanks to the experience of our human team that has operated the neopanamax locks safely and reliably for the last five years," said the administrator of the Panama Canal, Ricaurte Vásquez Morales.

The new length will provide shipping lines with greater flexibility in making decisions for the siting and construction of vessels with greater capacity that can transit through the Panama Canal.

This announcement comes after a series of test transits to confirm the safety of the operation. These included the Evergreen shipping company Triton in 2019, with a length of 369 meters (1,210 feet), which made it the largest and highest capacity ship to transit the Panama Canal since the opening of the locks. neopanamax in June 2016.

Since then, other ships with the same dimensions and capacity have transited the interoceanic route, including the Talos and Theseus, among others.

In addition to this increase in length, the Canal announced an increase in draft to 15.24 meters (50 feet), the highest level allowed on the waterway. Increased rainfall and the management of water resources in the lakes made it possible to offer a draft of 14.93 meters (49 feet) since April 2021.

The Panama Canal's efforts go beyond its operational updates. Given the shorter distance and the greater capacity it offers, the Canal reduces the consumption of fuel used by ships and therefore emissions, positively impacting the reduction of greenhouse gases compared to other alternative routes. In addition, the Canal is focused on reducing its own carbon footprint, establishing a roadmap to become a carbon neutral entity by the end of the decade, while maintaining its commitment to participate in the environmental efforts of the maritime industry globally.