ACP publishes Canal pricing proposal

The proposal has been slightly modified from the original one put forward in February. At the request of the industry, implementation of the new charges has been postponed from May to July 2007, subject to further feedback. The ACP is also guaranteeing prices until 2009.

The ACP received a total of 21 written submissions during the original consultation period, and 14 representatives from shipping and government expressed their views at the public hearing in Panama. Following this, the ACP conducted informal consultations with a number of customers and industry representatives, and also met with President Michelle Bachelet of Chile.

” [The industry] told us that they wanted the timeframe for implementation extended, and we listened, ” said ACP administrator/CEO Alberto Alemán Zubieta. “We look forward to continue providing our customers with a safe, reliable and efficient service, at a price that captures the true value of the route and service. “