Topic
Gatun Lake
Every Vessel Hunter story on Gatun Lake: 7 stories, from 21 August 2026 to 7 October 2026. Newest: "Panama Canal opens long-term slot auctions to the Panamax locks for 2027". Each story links to the ships and ports it names, so a name in the text opens the record behind it.
Panama Canal opens long-term slot auctions to the Panamax locks for 2027
The Panama Canal is extending its long-term slot programme to the Panamax locks for the first time, offering 288 slots for January to April 2027.
Panama Canal Budgets 29.5 Deep-Draft Transits a Day for FY2027
The Panama Canal is budgeting for 10,750 deep-draft transits in FY2027, an average of 29.5 a day, while tightening booking slots and postponing a planned draught reduction.
Panama Canal Loosens Booking Rules to Stretch Shrinking Transit Capacity
From booking dates beginning 13 September the canal will offer 63 neopanamax slots a week and guarantee minimum allocations to containerships, gas carriers, bulkers and vehicle carriers.
Panama Canal Sets Out 2025-2035 Plan as Drought Cuts Draught to 48 Feet
The Panama Canal Authority is advancing a 2025-2035 vision plan built around two new container terminals and a cross-isthmus pipeline, as drought pushes the maximum draught down to 48 feet.
Panama Canal Cuts Daily Transits to 32 From September 3
Daily transits drop from 34 to 32 on September 3 and fall again on September 15, with unbooked ships already waiting more than eight days to get through.
Carriers Raise Panama Canal Surcharges as Gatun Lake Falls
Falling water levels at Gatun Lake have brought stricter draft restrictions, and CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd and MSC have all announced significant Panama Canal surcharges.
Panama Canal Cuts Neopanamax Draft To 47.5 Feet As Gatun Lake Falls
The Panama Canal will cut the maximum draft allowed through the neopanamax locks to 47.5 feet in two stages from September as Gatun Lake levels keep falling.
Never miss a move
Maritime, in motion. In your inbox.
The vessel sales, incidents, and market moves worth knowing, sent as they happen.