PANAMA FLASH! | Panama City – March 27th, 2026
Enhanced Long-Term Slot Allocation (LoTSA 2.5)
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) announces improvements to the Transit Reservation System and introduces LoTSA 2.5, an updated Long-Term Slot Allocation program. LoTSA 2.5 continues the existing program with ongoing enhancements based on customer feedback, offering more predictable planning, increased operational efficiency, and slot allocation tailored to service needs.
Key Features of LoTSA 2.5
- Shorter horizon: The LoTSA 2.5 cycle will cover transit dates from July 5, 2026, through January 2, 2027.
- Daily Slot Volume: Average daily slots will be 3.
- Service Packages: Fix, Flex, and Flex+ options for Full Container, LNG, LPG, and other vessels, offering varying flexibility for dynamic operations.
Revisions of LoTSA 2.5
- Slot redistribution will be managed according to the package type and transit direction.
- Sequential sealed-bid competitions will be conducted in 30-minute cycles, organized by package type.
- LNG and LPG vessels will be allowed to submit requests for Transit in Advance. Approvals shall be subject to operational feasibility, with priority maintained for full container vessels.
- Full container vessels may defer their slots to the following month. For LNG, LPG, and other market segments, vessels are allowed a maximum of four (4) slots per month, which include reserved, deferred, or advanced slots.
- An increased number of change date requests will be allowed, subject to applicable charges.
Key Benefits of LoTSA 2.5
- Flexible operations: Customers may adjust transit dates, change directions within packages, and defer or advance slots based on market needs.
- Smart cancellations: Cancel at least 15 days before transit to incur an 80% charge of the awarded bid price.
- Customer support: Access a specialized LoTSA team for assistance via multiple channels.
Important dates:
- Competition: April 28th, 2026 (Sealed bids accepted from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00
- Implementation: May 16th, 2026 (Opening of the first advanced booking window)
- Booking dates: July 5th, 2026, to January 2nd, 2027.
Detailed terms and conditions will be available in the following link: https://pancanal.com/en/lotsa/
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)
