Panama Canal Update: Yachts Experiencing Minimal Delays Using a RECOMMENDED Agent
Tristan Blatter 01 May 2024 Panama / Yacht Agent / Concierge Services
The Panama Canal is often referred to as 'one of the 7 wonders of the modern world', with a transit offering owners, guests and crew a unique and exhilarating experience. Normally, the transit will take roughly 8-10 hours for superyachts but can take over a day for smaller vessels.
The success of a yacht's itinerary relies heavily on selecting a high-quality, "Captains RECOMMENDED" yacht agent, to help complete all of the necessary paperwork and logistics for pilotage, permits, transit bookings, line handlers, and warpage - all of which must be booked in advance!
This is especially important as low water levels in The Gatun Lake have resulted in tight restrictions for vessels transiting the Panama Canal.
Image courtesy of Eric Bauhaus (Panama Cruising Guide)
Panama Canal Situation
The Panama Canal relies heavily on rainfall, which has become scarce. A combination of insufficient rain and the El Niño weather pattern led to the canal experiencing its second driest year in its 110-year history.
October 2023 marked the driest month on record, with a 41% reduction in rainfall compared to previous years.
Consequently, the canal authorities implemented water conservation measures, which resulted in a reduction in the number of ships allowed to pass through the canal each day. The restriction saw daily transits reduced to 27 vessels (from 36 vessels), with larger ships carrying less cargo due to weight restrictions.
Currently, for vessels 125 feet and longer, unbooked transits through the Canal are experiencing minimal delays. While the average waiting time varies, it ranges between 3 to 4 days, with a maximum of 5 days. Large yachts arriving at both ends of the Canal have been completing their transits smoothly. Smaller vessels up to 64.9 feet, using a Canal advisor, are currently experiencing delays of approximately 3 weeks.
From May 7th to 14th 2024, there will be a lane outage in Gatun and Miraflores locks for maintenance. Transits will decrease to 24 per day during this period, potentially causing slight delays for unbooked vessels.
Auction slots before transit remain available, with a starting bid of US$15,000. While some days have had no bidders, most slots are sold across various price ranges, influenced by the commercial shipping market.
Once water levels stabilize and rainfall increases, further adjustments and announcements from the canal can be expected.
Using a "Captains RECOMMENDED" yacht agent will ensure a quick transit through the canal.
Sea Masters are a highly recommended yacht agency with +16 years’ experience supporting over 400 yachts in Panama, Costa Rica and the Galapagos Islands. Their extensive experience can ensure peace of mind for the captain, as they offer 24/7 comprehensive yacht agency support, logistical advice, and transit bookings for vessels looking to cross the Panama Canal.
"Having finished up a busy season on the pacific side of Central America and California, we pointed south for the Panama Canal with low hopes of a swift transit, given all of the whispers of lengthy delays on both sides. Both Cristiano (Sea Masters) and Alex (Associated Yacht Agents) were confident there would be little to no delays. We had fixed winter yard period dates in Florida that we needed to adhere to in order to be ready for the spring season in The Bahamas.
Upon arrival in Panama City, they cleared us in and said to expect a transit in 48 hours - again, I was reluctant to take it at face value given the now mounting rumours of lengthy delays. Needless to say, we transited within 48 hours of arriving into Panama City. A very pleasant experience, as always, with Cristiano and Alex and their teams." Captain Rob Worswick, M/Y NETTO
Associated Yacht Services Panama, a division of Associated Steamship Agents, S.A., is a highly recommended yacht agency known for providing exceptional support to vessels. Whether you need assistance at the Panama Canal or wish to explore Panama's picturesque waters and islands, AYS will provide comprehensive agency support
"I have used Alex and the team at Associated Yacht Services on a number of occasions, each time and particularly the last they have provided great shoreside support and assistance in transiting the canal. In the lead up and upon arrival communications and expectations of standby time to transit were consistent, realistic and what they said they did. Thank you Alex and the team." Sean Moore - Rotational Captain 55m Superyacht
Panama Agencies Company Inc.., is an established yacht agency and comes highly recommended by numerous captains for their extensive experience and exceptional service. With a history predating the original Panama Canal, their knowledgeable team boasts strong connections and expertise in fulfilling every yacht's needs.
"For all your vessel needs from canal transits, local transportation, provisioning, and shipping / receiving parts, a knowledgeable agent is key to success in Panama. We have used Francis X. Zeimet with Panama Agencies Co. Inc for many years and highly recommend his services." Capt. John Crupi
Centenario are a full-service yacht agency, specializing in supporting sailing boats of all sizes throughout their time in Panama and beyond. Whether your vessel is simply transiting the Panama Canal or spending time exploring the idyllic islands, this agency is well placed and highly recommended by the countless sailing boats who have used their services.
