PANAMA FLASH! | Panama City – March 5th, 2026
Increased LNG Interest in Neopanamax Locks – Market Developments and ACP Operational Update
Recent geopolitical developments in the Middle East have generated a noticeable increase in LNG carrier interest in transiting the Panama Canal through the Neopanamax Locks particularly in Southbound direction.
Since Friday, February 27, the Canal has registered 16 new LNG carrier ETAs, with 5 LNG transits booked during the same period. The increase in LNG arrivals is expected to place additional demand on Neopanamax transit slots in the coming days.
As a result of this interest, auction bids for Neopanamax transit slots are expected to increase in the near term, particularly for LNG carriers seeking to secure priority passage.
Separately, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) informed today that a non-announced operational maintenance window was scheduled at the Agua Clara Locks from March 1 through March 13 to conduct repairs on several fenders.
While this maintenance activity has not reduced the daily capacity of 10 vessels in the Neopanamax locks, it has temporarily reduced the available daylight window, which in turn prevented the ACP from offering LNG transit slots during the 3rd booking period (auction).
During discussions held today between the ACP and Norton Lilly International, and in response to concerns raised by the LNG market, the ACP indicated it will evaluate the possibility of rescheduling the maintenance window. This adjustment would allow the Canal to offer LNG transit slots again during the 3rd booking period (auction) should market conditions continue to warrant it.
We will continue to monitor developments closely and provide updates as additional information becomes available.
For additional information, please reach out to our operators at operations@nortonlilly.com.pa.
Norton Lilly International (Panama) S.A.
Bldg. 3825 – Office 204
Howard – Panama-Pacifico
Panama, Rep. of Panama
Tel: (507) 304-4600
Main email: operations@nortonlilly.com.pa (24 hours)
