SIMIC

THE Panama Canal Authority has announced in Advisory to Shipping No A-30-2024, the new Long-Term Slot Allocation (LoTSA) methodology to be implemented October 1, reports the American Journal of Transportation.

The LNG and LPG segments will adhere to the previously announced implementation date outlined in Advisory to Shipping No A-25-2024.



In response to requests from several customers in the container market segment, who sought additional time to evaluate the new LoTSA initiative, the implementation date for these segments has been postponed.



This delay is intended to allow for greater participation and ensure the LoTSA methodology's successful adoption.



The Long-Term Slot Allocation Method, developed for Neopanamax vessels as part of the Transit Booking System, aims to increase client transit certainty and flexibility.



This method will allow multiple transit booking slot packages to different market segments, allowing a single client to secure various bookings in one transaction.



The sealed bidding process for the first calendar year, covering booking dates from January 5, 2025, to January 3, 2026, will proceed as detailed in the accompanying table.



All other information published in Advisories A-25-2024 and A-29-2024 remains unchanged.



As reiterated in Advisory to Shipping No A-29-2024, the current customer ranking mechanism will remain in effect and unchanged at least until December 31.