GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jul 27, 2026
Neopanamax
Neopanamax is the size class of vessels that can just fit through the new Panama Canal locks opened in 2016: up to around 366 metres in length, 51.25 metres in beam and 15.2 metres of draft, corresponding to a container capacity of roughly 14,000 TEU.
Quick Answer
Last updated:
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panamax
Category
Logistics Concept
Reading time
1 min
Words
146
Mentioned in
–
Definition & Explanation
Neopanamax is the size class of vessels that can just fit through the new Panama Canal locks opened in 2016: up to around 366 metres in length, 51.25 metres in beam and 15.2 metres of draft, corresponding to a container capacity of roughly 14,000 TEU. The class replaced the smaller Panamax limit of the original locks and now shapes fleet planning for many shipping lines on trades between Asia and the US East Coast. It matters to freight forwarders because Neopanamax vessels carry a large share of Far East traffic, and restrictions at the locks – such as reduced draft limits during droughts – feed directly through to cargo intake, freight rates and surcharges like the Panama Canal Surcharge. Lock handling is organised via booking slots of the Panama Canal Authority. Not to be confused with Panamax, the maximum size for the original locks of 1914.
Next steps
Tools that match this term
Related Terms
You might also be interested in these terms
Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox
Weekly: Top news, industry facts and insights from the world of logistics – free.