Industry calls for changes in proposed Panama Canal toll structure

On Friday, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) held a public hearing on its proposals for the new toll structure which will be put in place when the expanded canal opens next year.

A spokesperson of the 360 Quality Association, which represents owners and operators of reefer containers and over 200 ships, called for a discount for ships carrying empty (owner-owned or owner-operated) containers from the presently proposed rate of US$90 per teu.

He argued that ships carrying empty containers do not generate income and said: “Regrettably, this phenomena is imposing a heavy extra burden on the operators. We believe it is not the true intention of the Panama Canal authorities to make no distinction between ballast and laden vessels.”