Panama Canal Authority revises its tolls proposal

In April this year the ACP announced its intention to adjust tolls to bring them closer to the value of the route for certain market segments, to redefine some segments and to adjust minimum tolls. After a 30-day public consultation period, the ACP conducted a hearing on May 23 following which the April proposal has been slightly modified.

At the request of the industry, implementation of the new charges has been postponed from July 2012 to October 2012 to provide additional lead time before implementation of the new tolls and an additional three months before the second step of increase in 2013. In addition, the revised proposal eliminates the proposed container/breakbulk segment. Container/breakbulk vessels will continue to be classified as part of the segment known as ‘others.’

The revised tolls adjustment will apply only to the following market segments: general cargo, dry bulk, tanker, chemical tanker, LPG, vehicle carrier and ro-ro and the ‘others’ segment. Due to this modification, the ACP yesterday (June 27) reopened the issue for public comment and will consider additional input, suggestions and feedback from interested parties over the next 15 days after which it will make a final decision and submit its recommendation to the Cabinet Council of the Republic of Panama for final approval.