The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has announced changes to the Transit Reservation (Booking) System, effective April 27, 2025, based on customer feedback. The modifications primarily impact the LoTSA (Long-Term Slot Allocation) methodology and the Neopanamax slot allocation process.
LoTSA Slot Adjustments:
- Customers can request swaps and substitutions among LoTSA slots.
- A specialised LoTSA coordination service will be introduced for better slot management.
Priority for LoTSA Customers in Transit in Advancement (TIA):
- LoTSA customers may be given priority in the assignment process.
Booking Slot Modifications:
- If more than four LoTSA slots are registered for a booking date, the excess will be reduced from Booking Period 1A, 2, or 3.
- If less than four LoTSA slots are registered by the end of Booking Period 1A, the unused slots will be added to Booking Period 2.
Neopanamax Slot Allocation Adjustments:
- A maximum of four Neopanamax slots per direction will be available in all booking periods.
- If one or more slots are available, one slot per direction may be offered in Booking Period 1A.
- If there is no available slot in one direction, two slots may be offered in the opposite direction.
- Vessels with HML=D cannot request a booking slot in Booking Period 1A.
Special Booking Period for Neopanamax:
- Unallocated slots from the Special Booking Period (Passengers) will be carried over to Booking Period 2.
- Slots that become available 366 to 15 days before the booking date will also be moved to Booking Period 2.
For more details, the revised LoTSA terms and conditions are available here.
For further details or enquiries, please contact Panama.ISSOPS@iss-shipping.com or +507 279 4110 / +507 6673 8417.