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New Panama Canal Restrictions on Vessel Drafts Take Effect on April 30

The Panama Canal Authority set a new limit for vessels transiting the Neopanamax locks after April 30, it said in an April 1 notice. The maximum authorized draft for vessel after that date "will be 13.41 meters (44.0 feet) Tropical…

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Fresh Water (TFW)," it said. The limit is a result of the present and projected levels of Gatun Lake, it said. "Vessels arriving after April 30, 2019, with drafts over 13.41 meters (44.0 feet) TFW 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. Draft adjustments will be announced in 12-inch (30.5 cm) decrements, generally with at least four weeks advanced notice."