Please find attached a new advisory to shipping, issued by the Panama Canal Authority on 25 September, detailing a modification to the variable component of the Fresh Water Surcharge effective 1 October 2023

This modification shifts the central point of the Gatun Lake level curve from 82 feet to 79 feet. This alteration equates to a maximum draft of 44 feet (Tropical Fresh Water) for vessels navigating the Neopanamax locks, making sure it does not impact the maximum draft for vessels using the Panamax locks.

This adjustment to a 79-foot centre and the 44-foot maximum draft is the latest effort by the ACP to conserve water resources, ensuring the sustainability of traffic in the upcoming months.

The charge will be determined by a specific formula which will result in a percentage that will fluctuate between 0% and 10%. This percentage will be applied to the overall tolls charged to each vessel, including both fixed and variable components when applicable in the toll structure.

CAN(23)12 -Annex A – ACP Advisory to Shipping (A-42-2023)