The Panama Canal will extend its Long-Term Slot Allocation (LoTSA) program to the Panamax locks for the first time, giving customers more options to secure transit capacity in advance.
The new phase will cover the period from 3 January to 3 April 2027. It will include the existing LoTSA Neopanamax program and a new pilot program for vessels using the Panamax locks.
The Canal said the program aims to provide greater predictability for customers when planning vessel schedules during the dry season. It also seeks to improve logistics planning as water availability continues to influence Canal operations.
Panamax pilot to offer 288 slots
The new Panamax LoTSA pilot will offer 51 packages covering a total of 288 transit slots. These include 147 northbound and 141 southbound slots, equivalent to three daily slots throughout the program period.
The packages will be allocated through a sealed-bid competition scheduled for 24 November 2026.
The Panamax pilot will use the same allocation mechanism, selection criteria and tie-breaking rules as the existing Neopanamax program.
Meanwhile, the Neopanamax LoTSA program will offer 36 packages covering 270 transit slots. Of these, 165 will be northbound and 105 southbound, equivalent to three daily slots distributed across different packages.
The competition for the Neopanamax slots will take place on 17 November 2026.
Combined, the two programs will offer 558 long-term transit slots during the three-month period.
Canal targets greater scheduling certainty
LoTSA allows Canal customers to secure transit slots in advance, providing greater certainty when scheduling voyages and planning supply chains.
The Panama Canal noted that the remaining transit capacity will continue to be offered through its regular Reservation System and auction process.
The new phase comes as the Canal continues to implement measures aimed at maintaining sustainable operations amid climatic conditions affecting water availability.
By extending long-term slot allocation to the Panamax locks, the Canal is giving a broader group of customers the option to secure capacity ahead of the 2027 dry season.
