Draft

Quick Answer

Last updated: 27 July 2026

Source: https://pancanal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/N01-2024-Vessel-Requirements-AC.pdf

Category

Find a matching partner on this lane

Reading time

1 min

Words

145

Mentioned in

–

Definition & Explanation

Draft is the vertical distance between the waterline and the lowest point of a vessel's hull – in other words, how deep a loaded ship sits in the water. It depends on cargo load, ballast and water density: a vessel sits deeper in fresh water than in salt water. For freight forwarders and shipping lines, draft is a hard capacity limit, because ports, rivers and canals impose maximum permissible drafts. When water levels in the Panama Canal fall, the canal authority lowers the limit for Neopanamax vessels, forcing carriers to load fewer containers or shift heavy units to later sailings (rollover). Surcharges such as the Panama Canal Surcharge often follow. Draft is stated in metres or feet and read off the draft marks on the hull. Not to be confused with the loadable depth (Abladetiefe), which describes the usable water depth of an inland waterway.

Related Terms

You might also be interested in these terms

Before departure the carrier sends the forwarder a draft bill of lading for checking – consignee details, cargo description and co…

Learn more

When post-Panamax or neo-Panamax vessels need to berth at a terminal, a deep water berth is a non-negotiable prerequisite. It prov…

Learn more

Modern container and bulk cargo vessels require increasing draft capacity, as ship sizes continue to grow. Norfolk Port features d…

Learn more

Deep-water berths permit vessels with large draft (e.g., Megamax or New Panamax container ships drawing 13–15 metres) to berth and…

Learn more

A deepwater berth is a mooring position with sufficient draft to accommodate large container vessels—typically 15,000+ TEU—without…

Learn more

Deepwater berths are port docking facilities with sufficient depth to accommodate modern mega-carriers and post-Panamax vessels wi…

Learn more

Related News

Industry News

Gdynia Gears Up for 400-Meter Vessels

New quay facilities, crane tracks, and cargo handling equipment prepare Gdynia for very large container vessels. This also increases competition for cargo from Central and Eastern Europe.

Sep 10, 20264222 min

Operational Alerts

Panama Canal Reduces Slots: Capacity Constraints Expected from September

Due to insufficient rainfall, the Panama Canal is reducing its daily slots. Ships without fixed reservations may face longer waiting periods starting in September.

Aug 27, 202624451 min

Operational Alerts

Rhine at Kaub could fall to 18 centimeters on Friday

The Kaub water level could fall to 18 cm on Friday. Inland vessels must continue to reduce their cargo, while costs and delivery times increase.

Aug 3, 202665652 min

Operational Alerts

Panama Canal Reduces Draft Limits Ahead of El Niño – MSC Imposes $100 USD per TEU Surcharge

The Panama Canal prepares for strong El Niño. Initial draft restrictions already in effect, MSC charges USD 100 per TEU on selected routes from August 19.

Jul 26, 202680991 min

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Free · No password · Never a paywall. Weekly top news and facts from logistics.

Next steps

Related Terms

Draft Bill of Lading

Deep Water Berth

Norfolk Port Deep-water Berth

Seattle Port Deep-water Berth

Tanger Med Port Deepwater Berth

Port of Vancouver Deepwater Berth

Find a matching partner on this lane

Situation hub: Panama Canal

Related News

Gdynia Gears Up for 400-Meter Vessels

Panama Canal Reduces Slots: Capacity Constraints Expected from September

Rhine at Kaub could fall to 18 centimeters on Friday

Panama Canal Reduces Draft Limits Ahead of El Niño – MSC Imposes $100 USD per TEU Surcharge

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Community Questions & Answers