On May 21, the Panama Canal Authority announced an increase to the maximum allowable length for vessels transiting the Neopanamax locks.
Effective immediately, the maximum overall length for commercial and non-commercial vessels that will be accepted for regular transits of the locks is 1,215 feet.
Vessels measuring 1,205-1,215 feet must be equipped with a fully operational bow thruster — a propulsion device that aids ship’s maneuverability.
If a vessel in this longer but still allowed range lacks the bow thruster, it may be assigned additional resources (including tugboat assistance) at the vessel’s expense and be subject to transit delays.
Such vessels will be assigned an extra, assistive tug when approaching Agua Clara locks from Gatun Lake (northbound).
The Panama Canal is a vital outlet for U.S. grain and other container shipments destined for Asia.
