Hot Port News from GAC

• Vessels loaded to drafts over 11.59m (38.0 feet) prior to or on April 11, 2016, will have this draft restriction waived for transit, subject to safety considerations.
• Vessels loaded after April 11, 2016, shall comply with this new draft limitation.
• Vessels arriving with drafts over 11.59m (38.0 feet), TFW, may be allowed to transit after May 9, 2016, depending on the level of Gatun Lake at the time of transit. Otherwise, they will be required to trim or off-load cargo in order to transit.

As in the past, draft restrictions will be implemented in 15-centimeter (six-inch) decrements at a time, with each restriction announced at least four weeks in advance. Vessels already loaded to the prevailing draft limitation at the time of announcing the new draft restriction will have this restriction waived for transit, subject to safety considerations.

The maximum authorized transit draft is the deepest point of immersion in TFW permitted for a particular vessel in Gatun Lake. Water density of Gatun Lake is 0.9954 at 29.4 deg. C (85 deg. F). Vessels shall arrive at Canal waters with no list.

The Panama Canal Authority will eliminate these draft restrictions as soon as Gatun Lake level returns to normal.

(For information about operations in the Panama Canal, contact GAC-Wilford & McKay at gac-wilfordmckay.panama@gac.com)

Source: Panama Canal Authority Advisory to Shipping No.A-1802016 dated April 11, 2016