The Panama Canal Authority announced on 5 August it is raising to 14.94 metres (49 ft) the maximum authorised draught allowed for vessels transiting the key global waterway's Neo-Panamax locks.

In a brief statement, the authority said the change was made due to "the present and projected level of Gatun Lake for the upcoming weeks."

In addition to increasing the draught limit, the Panama Canal Authority increased the number of daily Neo-Panamax transits from 34 on July 22 to 35 as of August 5.

The increase follows an earlier increase from 32 to 33 transits in July.

The canal’s capacity is already reaching its design requirements of around 36 daily transits and a maximum draught of 15.24 metres (50 ft) for the Neo-Panamax locks.