In October the Panama Canal will be Introducing Dedicated Transit Slots for Low-Emission Ships

This particular program happens while the Panama Government continues to insist that it will not negotiate with the United States Trump administration, regarding the operation of the canal. The Panama Government has ignored any discussions involving Trump attempting to seize the canal, asserting its sovereignty, and have continued denying allegations of the Chinese groups operating the Canal. The Panama Canal Authority (PCA) will introduce a transit slot reserved only for vessels with low carbon emissions as part of a strategy to incentivize customers to adopt de-carbonization.  Beginning October 5, 2025, the PCA will implement the first phase of a weekly “net zero slot” for Neopanamax vessels that meet specific low-carbon emission requirements. 

The PCA said that, unlike previous announcements, this slot will not be offered through an auction but through a competition held 30 days before the transit date.  The first phase will accommodate vessels equipped with dual-fuel engines that use fuel with a carbon intensity of less than 75 gCO2(e)/MJ, from extraction to combustion (well-to-wake). Specifications for a second phase, planned for 2026, will be announced via the publication of an advisory to shipping.  The vessel entitled to the slot will receive benefits including choosing the transit date within the week offered; a guaranteed transit time of 24 hours; and just-in-time service included.