PANAMA FLASH! – RE: New Positioning System Requirement for Transiting Neopanamax Vessels Beginning October 2023
July 4th, 2023,
As published in Advisory A- 32- 2022 dated October 5, 2022, effective October 1, 2023, all vessels transiting the Panama Canal with beams 33.2 meters (109 feet) or more will be required to have a fixed (non-portable) piloting unit with real time kinematics (RTK) for submeter accuracy.
Even though a portable piloting unit with real time kinematics (PPU- RTK) will be available for rental during a period of time, we encourage all customers to continue their procurement, configuration, and installation process of the fixed RTK antenna to comply with the above- mentioned requirement, which cost and time are significantly less than the possible transit delay and rental cost you may have without it.
The above- mentioned requirement is mandatory, and the following procedure must be followed:
a. Send an email to Arqueadores@pancanal.com when the installation and configuration of the fixed RTK fixed antenna has been completed.
b. When a vessel with fixed RTK antenna installed announces its visit to the Panama Canal, include the following in the visit remark through the Panama Maritime Single Window (VUMPA for its Spanish acronym): NPU completed.
c. A minimum of three connections shall be available in the RTK ant enna network for Panama Canal usage, while the vessel is in Panama Canal waters. In addition, we recommend designating Wi- Fi channel 11 exclusively for the RTK antenna network.
We are currently working with several suppliers, and they have informed us of the following: (a) there is equipment available; (b) the installation and configuration of the antenna takes less than a day.
The list of evaluated and approved equipment, specifications, installation guide and the frequently asked questions are available through the following web link: https://pancanal.com/en/maritime-services/non-portable-piloting- unit/
For inquiries or additional information regarding this advisory, please contact us at operations@nortonlilly.com.pa
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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)
