In response to the present and projected level of Gatun Lake, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) announced Today through Advisory to Shipping No. No. A-08-2024; a new adjustment to accommodate the growing demand for transits, by increasing the number of daily slots available in the Panamax Locks.
Two additional slots will be offered through auction for transit dates beginning March 18, and an additional slot will become available for transit dates beginning March 25.
| Type of vessel | Current Period | March 18 – 25 |
| Neopanamax | 7 | 7 |
| Panamax | 17 | 20 |
| TOTAL | 24 | 27 |
These measures allow the majority of vessels that want to transit the Canal to have a better chance of obtaining a reservation.
Panama Canal specialists are closely monitoring the current water situation, and the measures announced today, published in the Advisory to Shipping, will remain in effect until conditions warrant changes, which will be announced in a timely manner.