PANAMA FLASH! | Panama City – August 18th, 2026
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) reminds customers that all activities conducted within Panama Canal waters are subject to the Regulation on Navigation in Panama Canal Waters and require prior ACP authorization. Activities not expressly authorized by the ACP that may impede, delay, obstruct, or create risk to navigation, vessel operations, or lock operations are prohibited.
Effective as instructed by the ACP, delivery of provisions, spare parts, equipment, or similar supplies, as well as crew changes, shall not be conducted underway in the Pacific navigation channel, including vessels proceeding southbound after departing Miraflores Locks or Cocoli Locks toward Diablo, unless specifically authorized by the ACP for exceptional operational or emergency reasons.
These activities must be completed at authorized Pacific anchorage areas or other safe locations designated by the ACP before the beginning of transit, or as otherwise directed by the Authority. Masters, agents, operators, owners, vessel representatives, and launch companies shall plan and coordinate services accordingly before the vessel is underway to transit.
This measure is intended to enhance safety of navigation and operational efficiency. Recent cases involving large pallets of provisions and crew changes with multiple persons and considerable baggage have contributed to prolonged movements between Miraflores and Diablo, particularly at night or during the early morning. Such conditions may increase risk during the transfer of personnel or supplies, expose launch crews and vessels to unnecessary hazards, and affect the scheduled positioning of the first Neopanamax transits in the Pacific Channel, including those subject to clear channel restrictions.
The ACP will continue to evaluate Atlantic-side operations according to local anchorage limitations, traffic conditions, and prevailing weather or sea conditions outside the breakwater. Any service in Atlantic Canal waters shall be conducted only when and where specifically authorized by the ACP.
Failure to comply with ACP instructions may result in administrative sanctions and liability for any costs, damages, delays, or operational impacts resulting from unauthorized activities.
For additional information,
please consult the Maritime Regulations available at https://pancanal.com/en/maritime-services/maritime-regulations/.
For additional information, please reach out to our operators at operations@nortonlilly.com.pa.
Norton Lilly International (Panama) S.A.
Bldg. 3825 – Office 301-302
Howard – Panama Pacifico
Panama, Rep. of Panama
Tel: (507) 304-4600
Main email: operations@nortonlilly.com.pa (24 hours)
