The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) recently announced updates to its Transit Reservation (Booking) System, introducing the Enhanced Long-Term Slot Allocation program (LoTSA 2.5) and modifications to how additional booking slots are offered for Neopanamax and Panamax vessel transits.
WHAT IS THE LOTSA 2.5 PROGRAM?
The LoTSA 2.5 program covers transit dates from July 5, 2026, through January 2, 2027, averaging three daily slots. The program offers Fix, Flex, and Flex+ service packages for full container, LNG, LPG, and other vessel types, with sealed-bid competitions conducted in 30-minute cycles organized by package type.
Full container vessels may defer slots to the following month. LNG and LPG vessels may request Transit in Advance, subject to operational feasibility, with full container vessels retaining priority. Operators may also submit an increased number of change date requests, subject to applicable charges. Cancellations made at least 15 days before the scheduled transit date incur a charge of 80 percent of the awarded bid price.
Important dates: sealed-bid competition opens April 28, 2026 (8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.); first advanced booking window opens May 16, 2026; booking dates run July 5, 2026, through January 2, 2027.
HOW ARE ADDITIONAL BOOKING SLOTS RELEASED?
Effective April 13, 2026, the ACP may offer additional slots during Booking Period 2 once thresholds are reached: 19 slots for Super vessels and 5 for Regular vessels. During Booking Period 3, thresholds shift to 20 and 6, respectively. These slots are announced via email one day prior, carry a 36-hour In-Transit Time, and are allocated through special competition or auction depending on the booking period. Slots not awarded during a special competition may be available on a first-come, first-served basis for the remainder of Booking Period 2, or carried over to Booking Period 3.
The ACP also modified the Transit in Advance (TIA) service. When a slot becomes available less than 48 hours before the intended transit date, TIA may be offered with less than two days’ notice. Vessels awarded a slot through auction for which the 48-hour deadline has expired will have up to two hours from slot allocation to express interest in TIA waitlist placement. A separate Last-Minute Reservation service applies when any transit slot becomes available less than two days prior to the intended transit date.
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