A temporary measure has been adopted by the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) to provide one special auction slot for boats that are waiting to travel through the channel.
In particular, ships that have been waiting a long time may now bypass the lengthy line by paying a one-time price via the special auction. Regular and Panamax boats who have been waiting in line for at least ten days may profit from this programme since it gives them a chance to participate in the auction and gets them through the Panamax locks more quickly.
According to the canal, the purpose of this measure is to provide greater opportunity of obtaining a slot for vessels in the Panamax Locks that have been waiting in the transit queue for an extended period.
There are now 68 boats waiting without bookings, up from around 60 at the start of the month. As stated in its most recent caution, ACP warned that boats operating without reservations would face permanent delays.
Due to the drought, ACP lowered the number of daily ship transits from 32 to 24 last month. This reduction will be in effect until February 1st.
There is a lengthy wait of boats since there are fewer daily transits as a consequence of actions made to battle low water levels. Last Saturday was the first special auction, with a $55,000 starting price.
