Panama Canal introduces Temporary Booking System Adjustments to Increase Flexibility and Equitable Slot Access

The Panama Canal announced temporary modifications to its Transit Reservation (Booking) System for Neopanamax vessels aimed at providing customers with greater flexibility, improving the distribution of available capacity across market segments, and encouraging the efficient use of water resources.

The adjustments reflect the Panama Canal’s continued commitment to its customers and to providing a safe, reliable, and efficient service. Developed following careful consideration of customer feedback and current operating conditions, the measures are designed to respond more effectively to customers’ evolving needs while preserving the predictability and operational standards on which the maritime industry relies.

Under the revised rules, Neopanamax customers will be permitted to obtain more than one reservation slot for the same booking date and will be permitted to obtain slots for two or more consecutive booking dates. These modifications temporarily remove certain restrictions established under Advisory A-28-2026.

A total of 63 Neopanamax reservation slots will be offered each week, including slots allocated through the Long-Term Slot Allocation (LoTSA) and NetZero programs.

This story was originally published by Panama Canal Authority. Read the full story at Panama Canal Authority →