Following the recent workshop, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has released an official advisory regarding the Enhanced Long-Term Slot Allocation Programme (LoTSA 2.0).
Key Features
- Shorter cycle: LoTSA is transitioning from a 12-month product to two separate 6-month cycle products.
- Daily slot volume: The average daily slots will be 3, down from 4 in LoTSA 1.0.
Segmented Service Packages
Packages are now divided into:
- Fix packages: For full container, LNG and LPG vessels requiring guaranteed certainty.
- Flex packages: For full container, LNG and LPG vessels requiring adaptability.
- Flex+ packages: For LNG, LPG and other market segments such as dry bulk, RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) and car carriers requiring greater flexibility.
Benefits
These include:
- advance access to reserve transit dates and the ability to provide vessel names up to 15 days in advance;
- the ability to modify booking dates up to two times with five days’ notice, without additional charges;
- the option to cancel at least 15 days in advance and pay only 80% of the awarded bid price.
Customer Ranking
The current customer ranking will remain applicable until at least the first cycle of LoTSA 2.0, while a new ranking system is developed.
LNG Scheduling Reinstated
The advanced access rule applied in 2023 for LNG vessels in Booking Period 1A will be reinstated, effective for booking dates from 4 January 2026, to improve scheduling certainty and reduce the risk of delays.
Slot Limitation Eliminated
Effective for booking dates from 4 January 2026, the restriction limiting customers to one booking slot per date at the Neopanamax Locks will be eliminated.
For full details, please refer to the official advisory below.
If you have any questions, please contact [email protected] or +507 279 4110 / +507 6673 8417.