The Panama Canal published a proposal that modifies the waterway’s toll structure and the admeasurement regulations for passenger ships.
This modification standardizes the tolls unit by PC/UMS (Panama Canal Universal Measurement System) tonnage capacity for all passenger vessels seeking to use a single unit, to provide transparency and less complex structure for customers and the Panama Canal.
It also eliminates the tolls unit by maximum berth capacity and standardizes the tariff based on PC/UMS tonnage capacity depending on the locks, tonnage range and loading condition (laden or ballast).
Finally, The current tariffs implemented since April 1, 2016, will remain unchanged considering the difficult conditions affecting the cruise industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new proposed tolls modification to passenger vessels will be effective February 1, 2022.
With the publication of this proposal, the public consultation period is open until October 1, 2021 at 4:15 p.m. local time, during which the industry is invited to review and comment on the proposal for consideration.
The public hearing is scheduled for October 5, 2021, for the first time in virtual format, following health and safety protocols.
The last modification to the toll structure for passenger ships was implemented on April 1, 2016.