Seatrade Maritime: Panama Canal launches revamped booking system

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) is launching Long-Term Slot Allocation 2.0 (LoTSA 2.0), programme for booking transits by shipping companies.

LoTSA 2.0 packages will transition from a 12-month horizon to a six-month offering, divided into two cycle annually. The first cycle will run from 4 January to 4 July 2026 with sealed bids due by 28 October 2025. Daily slot volume has been reduced from four to three slots per day on average.

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.

Contact details and schedules for the LoTSA Customer Service Team will be provided in mid-October.

With LoTSA 2.0 customers can reserve their transit date and provide their vessel name up to 15 days before the transit date, may request up to two date changes (depending on the plan) with five days’ notice, moving the booking date up to five days later and cancel with 15+ days’ notice and pay only 80% of the awarded bid price.

According to the ACP, LoTSA 2.0 offers a strategic advantage, enabling shipping lines to plan, optimise operations, and reduce emissions—benefiting both the canal and its customers. The Canal continues to work on developing a new and enhanced customer ranking.