Freight Pulse & Law Update: Panama Canal Drafts Tighten, $1M Port Fees Loom, and UK ETS Hits Shipping

Panama Canal capacity, U.S. port fees, and emissions rules are converging into one difficult planning window for ocean shippers. Build contingencies now: not after September space disappears.

What changes at the Panama Canal in September?

The Panama Canal Authority will reduce Neopanamax draft to 14.63 meters on September 2. Daily transits will fall from 36 to 34 on September 3, then to 32 from September 15. Braemar estimates roughly 45% of Neopanamax transits and 55% of nominal TEU capacity could be affected.

CMA CGM has postponed its reported $150/TEU Low Water Surcharge to October 1. Shippers should confirm final carrier advisories before quoting landed costs.

• Plan for lower vessel intake and possible rollovers.

• Review October inventory arrival dates now.

• Model alternate routings and port pairs.

Panama Canal Authority and Cyprus Shipping News provide the latest operational updates.

When could U.S. port-entry fees return?

USTR’s Section 301 maritime actions remain suspended through November 9, 2026. Unless Washington and Beijing reach a new agreement, fees could return after that deadline, reaching approximately $1 million per port call for exposed vessel categories, including Chinese-linked fleets. Retaliation from China remains a material risk.

How does UK ETS affect shipping?

Since July 1, the UK ETS covers ships of 5,000 GT or more on domestic UK voyages and all in-port activity. Operators must manage UK Allowances, with a proposed 2028 expansion covering 50% of international-voyage emissions.

What should shippers watch this week?

UKMTO reported another tanker attack in the Strait of Hormuz, while the IMO says approximately 6,000 seafarers remain stranded across 400 ships. The Platts Container Index reached $7,565/FEU, its 2026 high. Meanwhile, DOT/CVSA Brake Safety Week continues through August 29.

For third party logistics providers and growing brands, use inventory management for ecommerce, a warehouse management system, and logistics software to control exposure.

Lanta Logistics provides 3PL fulfillment services, Mid-Atlantic fulfillment, and supply chain management support from its food-grade warehouse and Hazmat certified 3PL operation at its Glen Burnie warehouse. Pair execution with FlowOps real-time visibility before the next disruption moves from forecast to invoice.

Sources:USTR, UK Government, IMO/UN News, CVSA.