Modification of transit reservation (booking) system in the Panamax Locks

08 Aug 2022 / Panama Canal, Panama

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) announces the following changes to the procedures regarding the slot’s allocation for Supers (vessels 91 ft. in beam or over) in the Panamax Locks, effective 1st September 2022 until further notice.

  1. Slots for Supers that were already awarded but become available within 96 hours from the booking date due to cancellations, changes in date, early transit of booked vessels, or other reasons, will be offered during the 3rd Booking Period through an extraordinary auction process. This auction will be offered after the closing of the 3rd Period competition. The base or initial amount of the auction will be $55,000.
  2. One additional slot for Supers will be offered through auction, once all the normal booking slots have been allocated. This slot will be offered after the first auction has been awarded. The base or initial amount will be $55,000.
  3. Before the closing of the 3rd Booking Period, if all slots in one direction have been allocated but there are still booking slots available in the opposite direction, one slot may be offered to interested vessels through a special auction process, even if the assignment of these slots exceeds the established limits by direction or restriction. The base or initial amount for this auction will be $55,000.

The required criteria or condition, such as transit direction and/or restrictions, will be announced when each auction is published. Therefore, every vessel bidding for an auctioned slot shall meet the published requirements.

The ACP will notify vessel agents with auction projection list and/or when an auction has been published, generally one day advance.

The auctioned slots will become available to any interested vessel on a first-come, first-served basis once the auction is closed without bidders.

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

Source: Panama Canal Authority (ACP) Advisory to Shipping No. A-26-2022

If quoting any content from Hot Port News, please cite GAC Hot Port News as the source.

More Hot Port News

31 Jan 2025

New Mangalore, India

Port dues discounts for eco-friendly vessels
To promote green shipping under ‘Harit Sagar’ Green Port Guideline issued by MoPSW, it has been decided to award eco-friendly vessels on the basis of ESI score given by IAPH.
Read More

31 Jan 2025

Abbot Point, Australia

Berthing cancelled due to weather
Due to weather conditions associated with Tropical Lows affecting North Queensland, berthing at Port Abbott has been cancelled until further notice and the compulsory pilotage...
Read More

31 Jan 2025

Georgia ports, United States

Increase in cargo handled at ports
The Georgia Ports Authority handled more than 2.8 million TEUs in fiscal year-to-date 2025 (July 1-Dec. 31), an increase of 11.4% in the Port of Savannah.
Read More