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01 Oct 2025 / Panama Canal, Panama

Enhanced Long-Term Slot Allocation

The Panama Canal Authority has announced the launch of the next generation of its Long-Term Slot Allocation program (LoTSA 2.0), designed to deliver greater certainty, flexibility and value.

The updated program integrates feedback from earlier versions and introduces changes to help customers plan more reliably, reduce operational costs and book transit slots that align with their needs.

According to the Panama Canal Authority Advisory to Shipping No.A-28-2025, key features of LoTSA 2.0 include:

  • Shorter horizon - Transitioning from a 12-month cycle to two 6-month cycles:
    - The first cycle, from 4 January to 4 July 2026, for which sealed bids should be submitted on 28 October between 08:00 and 11:00 hours Panama time;
    - The second cycle, from 5 July 2026 to 3 January 2027, for which sealed bid auction details will be announced in due course.

  • Daily Slot Volume – Average daily slots will be 3, compared to 4 in LoTSA 1.0.

  • Segmented Service Packages divided according to customers’ operational requirements:
    - Fixed packages for Full Container, LNG and LPG vessels that require guaranteed certainty in booking slots.
    - Flex packages for Full Container, LNG and LPG vessels that need booking slots adaptable to operational changes.
    - Flex+ packages for LNG, LPG and other market segment vessels that require flexibility, such as Dry Bulk, RoRo and Car Carriers to operate in dynamic environments.

  • Dedicated LoTSA Customer Service Team, contact details and schedules to be provided in mid-October.

For further details, as well as information about operations in Panama, contact GAC Panama at [email protected]

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

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