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02 Apr 2026 / Panama Canal, Panama

Enhanced Panama Canal long-term slot allocation

The Panama Canal Authority has announced improvements to the Transit Reservation System and introduced LoTSA 2.5, an updated Long-Term Slot Allocation program.

LoTSA 2.5 continues the existing program with ongoing enhancements based on customer feedback, offering more predictable planning, increased operational efficiency, and slot allocation tailored to service needs.

Key Features of LoTSA 2.5

  • Shorter horizon covering transit dates from July 5, 2026, through January 2, 2027.
  • Daily Slot Volume: Average daily slots will be 3.
  • Service Packages: Fix, Flex, and Flex+ options for Full Container, LNG, LPG, and other vessels.

Revisions

  • Slot redistribution will be managed according to the package type and transit direction.
  • Sequential sealed-bid competitions will be conducted in 30-minute cycles, organized by package type.
  • LNG and LPG vessels will be allowed to submit requests for Transit in Advance. Approvals shall be subject to operational feasibility, with priority maintained for full container vessels.
  • Full container vessels may defer their slots to the following month. For LNG, LPG, and other market segments, vessels are allowed a maximum of four (4) slots per month, which include reserved, deferred, or advanced slots.
  • An increased number of change date requests will be allowed, subject to applicable charges.

Key Benefits

  • Flexible operations: Customers may adjust transit dates, change directions within packages, and defer or advance slots based on market needs.
  • Smart cancellations: Cancel at least 15 days before transit to incur an 80% charge of the awarded bid price.
  • Customer support: Access a specialized LoTSA team for assistance via multiple channels.

Important dates:
- Competition: April 28 (Sealed bids accepted from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.)
- Implementation: May 16 (Opening of the first advanced booking window)
- Booking dates: July 5, 2026, to January 2, 2027.

Detailed terms and conditions are available at https://pancanal.com/en/lotsa/

For further details about operations in the Panama Canal, contact GAC at [email protected]

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

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