02 Jun 2026 / Panama Canal, Panama

Modifications to Transit Reservation (Booking) System

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has modified its Transit Reservation (Booking) System to allow Neopanamax vessels classified as High Mast Light (HML) D to request 1A booking slots, effective June 1, 2026, for transit dates beginning July 1, 2026.

The change allows eligible vessels to secure booking slots up to 30 days in advance, creating additional opportunities to obtain transit reservations earlier in the booking process. Previously, HML D vessels were not eligible to receive slot allocations during the 1A Booking Period.

High Mast Light (HML) classifications are assigned by the Canal Port Captain following a specific inspection and are based on a vessel's configuration.

Source: ACP Advisory to Shipping No. A-17-2026


For information about operations in Panama, including vessel eligibility and booking applications, 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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