As the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) informs in a circular, it finds it necessary to implement additional measures to reduce the possibility of additional draft restrictions in the upcoming weeks.
Therefore, effective July 30, 2023, and until further notice, the daily transit capacity will be adjusted to an average of 32 vessels per day, normally distributed among the Panamax and Neopanamax locks in the following manner: 10 vessels in the Neopanamax locks and 22 vessels in the Panamax locks.
In addition, during the 2nd and 3rd Booking Period competition for the Panamax locks, full container vessels shall have priority in the assignment of slots over other vessel types. Any remaining slots will be assigned based on customer ranking.
For Booking Period 3, the modification will be in effect beginning Tuesday, August 1, 2023, and for Booking Period 2, the modification will be in effect beginning Saturday, August 19, 2023.
Applications for reserved slots under this new allocation procedure will be received beginning at 0900 hours Saturday, July 29, 2023.
It is important to note that a reduction in the number of daily transits for an extended period will invariably increase the waiting time for some vessels, particularly those who do not obtain a reservation.
In that regard, ACP strongly encourages all customers to make use of the Transit Reservation System to reduce the possibility of extensive delays.
The ACP may implement additional measures and establish additional procedures, commensurate with the safe and efficient operation of the Canal.
