By MasOceans, Exclusive Local Partner, Shipping updates

Panama Canal | Higher Traffic and Last-Minute Panamax Reservations Return

22 October, 2026 – More vessels are transiting the Panama Canal, while the return of last-minute Panamax reservations gives operators an additional booking opportunity.

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has reported increased traffic for FY2026 and reinstated a booking option for operators planning upcoming transits.

Panama Canal traffic | FY2026 results

For the fiscal year from October 2025 to September 2026, the ACP reported:

  • 13,951 vessel transits, up 4.1%.
  • 521 million CP/SUAB tonnes, an increase of 6.5%.
  • 2% of total tonnagehandled through the Neopanamax locks.

Energy-related traffic and container vessels contributed to this growth, supported by favourable operating conditions during the fiscal year.

Last-minute Panamax reservations return

On 21 October 2026, the ACP reinstated last-minute reservations for Panamax transits with immediate effect.

Reservations may be offered when slots become available, but the decision remains at the Canal Authority’s discretion.

For operators, three points are worth keeping in mind:

  • Slot availability:Last-minute reservations depend on available slots.
  • ACP discretion:The Canal Authority decides whether to offer a slot.
  • Transit planning:Availability should be checked before making operational commitments.

The additional flexibility is welcome, but a confirmed reservation remains essential for reliable transit planning.

Water conditions remain under review

The ACP continues to monitor water conditions following water-saving measures and recent rainfall close to the watershed average. Further operational adjustments remain possible.

YOUR VESSELS, OUR PORTS ⚓

Through  CAPAS EEV, CORP. – Shipping Agency, our local agent in Panama, MasOceans maintains its connection with local maritime operations and developments affecting vessel movements.

Local support for vessel calls and transit planning is available at the following ports and terminals: Bahía Las Minas (Terminal Granelera & Chevron), Colón 2000, Colón Container Terminal, Oil Tanking, Manzanillo International Terminal, Melones Oil Terminal, PPC Balboa & Drydock MEC, PATSA & POTSA, PPC Cristóbal & Telfer Tanks, PSA, PTP Charco Azul, PTP Chiriquí Grande and Taboguilla.

Panama transit ahead? Plan it with us early. Book a port call with Martaxelle Erussard:

📩 martaxelle@masoceans.com
📞 +41 (0) 79 658 1504 / +41 (0) 22 552 0051