PANAMA FLASH! – Panama City – March 14th, 2024
The current transit operating mode requires that all vessels (except for vessels of war and auxiliary vessels of nations that are entitled to expeditious transits according to Article VI of the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Canal, and small craft transiting as handlines) obtain a reservation to be considered for transit. Therefore, effective immediately, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) will assign transit slots to vessels of war, auxiliary, and other government-owned vessels, if such vessels are unable to obtain a slot for the intended transit date through the regular booking procedures. The assignment of a slot for a particular date will depend on several factors, including transit capacity, number of booked vessels, and vessel mix. The slot assigned will be in addition to the reserved slots regularly offered through the normal booking procedures.
Nevertheless, vessels of war, auxiliary vessels, and other government-owned vessels are encouraged to obtain a booking slot through the available booking mechanisms in order to have their transit date guaranteed and minimize the possibility of delays. The corresponding booking fee based on vessel category will be assessed once the vessel transits.
The ACP may require vessels to provide documentation that corroborates that subject vessel is owned or operated by a particular nation’s government and is not engaged in any commercial activity. Vessel representatives are encouraged to provide information regarding the vessel’s ETA at least 96 hours prior to arrival.
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)
