# Panama Canal reports stronger traffic and restores last-minute bookings - **Source:** https://pelavox.com/panama-canal-reports-stronger-traffic-and-restores-last-minute-bookings/ - **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping) - **Author:** Helena Pierce - **Published:** 2026-10-23T16:00:00+00:00 - **Updated:** 2026-10-22T07:30:43+00:00 - **Section:** Business / Company Results - **Type:** News - **Topics:** Canal Transits, Maritime Trade, Neopanamax, Panama Canal, Vessel Reservations, Water Management The Panama Canal recorded growth in vessel transits, tonnage and revenue during fiscal year 2026, reflecting stronger demand from international shipping and improved operating conditions along the waterway. According to results released by the Panama Canal Authority on 21 October, the canal handled 13,951 vessel transits during the fiscal year ending September 2026, an increase of 4.1% compared with 13,404 transits in the previous year. Total tonnage reached 521 million Panama Canal Universal Measurement System (PC/UMS) tons, representing a 6.5% increase from 489.2 million PC/UMS tons in fiscal year 2025. The authority attributed the improvement to stronger activity in energy shipping segments and containership traffic, alongside changes in international trade flows. ## Neopanamax traffic supports tonnage growth Larger vessels continued to play an important role in the canal’s performance, with ships using the Neopanamax locks accounting for 52.2% of total PC/UMS tonnage during the fiscal year. Tonnage passing through the Neopanamax locks increased 8.2% year-on-year, reflecting the growing contribution of higher-capacity vessels to overall canal activity. The Panama Canal also maintained a maximum permitted draft of 50 feet throughout the dry season, supporting more predictable operating conditions for shipping companies using the waterway. Water management remains a central component of the canal’s long-term strategy, particularly as the authority continues to address the effects of climate variability and changing rainfall patterns. During the presentation of its annual results, canal officials discussed progress on initiatives included in the Vision 2025–2035 strategy, including the Río Indio Lake Project. The project forms part of the authority’s broader efforts to strengthen water availability and support the canal’s long-term operational requirements. ## Revenue increases as canal reports stronger performance The Panama Canal reported total revenue of B/. 6.6 billion for fiscal year 2026, an increase of 16.6% compared with the previous fiscal year. The figures remain unaudited and were presented during an investor call hosted by Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Panama Canal Administrator Ilya Espino de Marotta, Deputy Administrator Miguel Lorenzo and Vice President of Finance Juan Mojica discussed the waterway’s financial performance, water management strategy and infrastructure priorities. The authority said the results would support continued investment in projects intended to strengthen the canal’s operational resilience and long-term capacity. The fiscal year covered the period from October 2025 through September 2026. ## Last-minute transit reservations reinstated Alongside the financial and operational results, the Panama Canal Authority announced the immediate reinstatement of its Last-Minute Reservation service for vessels using the Panamax locks. The decision follows effective water conservation measures and recent rainfall in the canal watershed approaching average levels. Under the reinstated service, vessels without an existing reservation may receive an additional opportunity to secure a transit slot when capacity becomes available. However, the availability of these reservations remains subject to the canal authority’s discretion and does not guarantee a transit slot for vessels arriving without bookings. The authority said it would continue monitoring rainfall and water conditions, with further operational adjustments to be communicated when necessary. The return of last-minute reservations provides additional flexibility for vessel operators, while the latest annual figures indicate a recovery in traffic and tonnage across one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes. --- Cite as: "Panama Canal reports stronger traffic and restores last-minute bookings", pelavox., 23 October 2026, https://pelavox.com/panama-canal-reports-stronger-traffic-and-restores-last-minute-bookings/