The Panama Canal Authority announced that it is to modify its transit reservation fees and other maritime services (OMS) in order to better respond to evolving market changes and manage its capacity in the face of growing demand.
Accordingly, the Authority reports that the changes will come into effect on April 15.
Booking Reservation Slots: Panamax Locks
Regulars: (less than 27.74 m (91 feet) in beam): $10,500
Supers: (Length overall (LOA) less than 274.32 m (900 feet) and a maximum beam of 32.61 m (107 feet)): $40,000
Supers: (Vessels with a LOA between 274.32 m (900 feet) and 294.44 m (966 feet), and a
maximum beam of 32.61 m (107 feet)): $50,000
For the neo-panamax Locks:
Vessels with beam less than 42.67 m (140 feet) (including Panamax Plus vessels): $70,000
Vessels with beam equal to or greater than 42.67 m (140 feet): $85,000
Standard Auction Slots: The base or initial amounts for slots awarded through the regular auction process will be as follows:
For regular vessels, the base or initial amount will remain at $15,000
For supers, the base or initial amount will be $55,000
For neo-panamax vessels (including Panamax Plus) the base or initial amount will be $93,500
Special Auction Slots: The Authority reports that an additional slot for the Neopanamax locks will be offered through a special auction process. The dates and conditions under which this slot may be offered will depend on several variables, including vessel mix and other factors. The base or initial amount for the slots awarded through the special auction process will be $100,000.
It is commented that
these changes will help simplify the current structure and seek to reflect the value of the services provided by the waterway, including the reservation system, which ensures the certainty of transit on a given date.
In addition, the Panama Canal will change, on April 15, other maritime services (OMS) provided by the waterway, including the transit related services fees for tugboats, line handlers and locomotives, as well as complementary services, such as vessel inspection, safety & security charge and Panama Canal Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (PCSOPEP) charges, among others.
