OceanSphere NETWORK · Maritime Signal

Panama Canal transits and draft limits

Water levels in Gatun Lake decide how deep a ship may sit and how many transits the canal can offer per day. Draft restrictions force operators to load less cargo or to route via Suez or the Cape, and the auction slots for guaranteed passage have become a cost factor of their own.

6 reports in this topic · updated continuously

Newbuilds & Orders

DNV awards HD HHI approval in principle for new LNG carrier design

This article details the recent awarding of an Approval in Principle by DNV to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, marking a significant milestone in LNG carrier development.

17 Sep 2026
Knowledge

Industrial Auctions (Aukcje Przemysłowe) for Maritime Services – A Practical Guide

This article explains what industrial auctions are, when a vessel should use them, how to pick a compliant provider and the step‑by‑step process, ending.

31 Aug 2026
Ports & Logistics

Panama Canal cuts daily ship transits to tackle El Niño drought

The Panama Canal Authority has reduced daily ship transits to 32 from 36, citing water shortages due to El Niño. This affects 5% of global maritime trade.

21 Aug 2026
Ports & Logistics

US container imports remain robust despite tariff changes

Major US ports handled over 2.2 million TEUs in August, as import volumes show resilience amid ongoing trade challenges and geopolitical uncertainties.

13 Aug 2026
Casualties & Safety

China eases Panama crackdown amid terminal dispute

Safety checks linked to row over Chinese concessions at Panama Canal, easing flag registry issues - an update on the impact of trade disputes on maritime operations.

10 Aug 2026
Ports & Logistics

Panama Canal reduces draft limits as El Niño intensifies

The Panama Canal Authority has lowered the maximum draft for Neopanamax locks due to falling water levels, impacting large ships' transit.

07 Aug 2026

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Other topics

Red Sea and Bab el-MandebSanctions and the shadow fleetDecarbonisation, EEXI and CIILNG, methanol and ammonia as marine fuelsCollisions, groundings and casualty reportsShipyards, orderbook and newbuilding

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