Clarification Regarding Modifications to the Auction Slots for Neopanamax Vessels

06 Jan 2022 / Panama

In response to inquiries regarding recent modification to the transit reservation system rules for Neopanamax vessels announced in Advisory to Shipping A-41-2021, the following additional information is provided:

  • The new auction to be offered every Tuesday until February 22, 2022, is only available to Neopanamax vessels transiting in the southbound direction.
  • LNG vessels may participate in the auction, provided that the number of slots already awarded to LNG vessels is within the maximum allowed, prior to the opening of the auction.
  • The auction will open at approximately 1400 hours on the preceding Monday and will close at approximately 1100 hours on Tuesday. In any case, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) will notify all registered agents if the auctioned slot will be offered, and if the slot will be available to LNG vessels.
  • If there are no vessels interested in the auction slot, the slot will become available on a first-come, first-served basis at the corresponding booking price as per the Official Marine Tariff.
  • The rules applicable to swaps and substitutions will be the same as for other regularly offered slots.
  • Panamax plus vessels are not allowed to participate in this auction.
  • The In-transit-time for this slot is 18 hours.

(For information about operations in the Panama Canal. Contact GAC Panama at [email protected])

Source: Panama Canal Authority (ACP) Advisory to Shipping No. A-42-2021

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