Panama Canal Introduces New Slot Allocation Program

The Panama Canal Authority has launched LoTSA 2.0, the next generation of its Long-Term Slot Allocation program.

Building on the success of LoTSA 1.0, LoTSA 2.0 packages will transition from a 12-month horizon to a more agile 6-month offering, divided into two 6-month cycles. By shortening the commitment window, customers can better align their transit planning with market conditions, seasonal fluctuations, and fleet deployment strategies, says the Authority.

The Panama Canal has refined the model by adjusting the average daily slots from 4 to 3 to offer a more balanced allocation and by introducing new service attributes to attract and retain customers.

With segmented packages such FixContainer, FlexContainer, FixGas, FlexGas, FlexGas+, and FlexSlot+, customers can choose the plan that best fits their fleet dynamics and business goals—whether they require guaranteed certainty or a higher level of flexibility.

To enhance the user experience, the Panama Canal is launching a dedicated LoTSA Customer Service Team — ready to provide timely and personalized support. Contact details and schedules for the LoTSA Customer Service Team will be provided in mid-October.

Key Benefits:

• Advanced Access: Customers can reserve their transit date and provide their vessel name up to 15 days before the transit date.

• Flexible Changes: Customers may request up to two date changes (depending on the plan) with 5 days’ notice, moving the booking date up to five days later. Booking-related services are included.

• Smart Cancellations: Cancel with 15+ days’ notice and pay only 80% of the awarded bid price.

• Dynamic Packages: Customers benefit from additional flexibility to operate in fast-changing environments.

• Competitive Advantage: Higher bids give customers better access to transit date selection and the Later Ready Time service.

Launch Timeline:

• First cycle: Valid for transit dates between January 4, 2026, and July 4, 2026.

• Bidding round: October 28, 2025, with sealed bid auctions from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. (Panama local time).

• Implementation: November 15, 2025 – opening of the first reservation cycle (first semester).

• Second cycle: Valid for transit dates from July 5, 2026, to January 3, 2027. The sealed bid auction announcement will be made in due course.

Modifications to the Transit Reservation (Booking) System

As part of the modifications to the Transit Reservation (Booking) System, the Panama Canal Authority will reinstate the advanced access rule applied in 2023 for LNG vessels in Booking Period 1A, effective for booking dates January 4, 2026. This reinstatement reflects Canal’s commitment to support the operational reliability of LNG carriers, which often operate under strict delivery schedules and volatile market conditions.

Effective for booking dates beginning January 4, 2026, the restriction limiting customers to one booking slot per date at the Neopanamax Locks will be eliminated.

The Canal continues to work on developing a new and enhanced Customer Ranking. In the meantime, the current Customer Ranking will remain applicable until at least the first cycle of LoTSA 2.0.