Panama Canal to change tolls structure

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has published a proposal to modify its current tolls structure in an attempt to attract more traffic and ensure competitiveness.

The ACP decided to offer additional incentives to the containership segment after considering the current utilisation of the neo-Panamax locks and the feedback received during meetings with customers in Asia, Europe and North America.

The proposal includes more attractive rates for loaded containers on the return voyage only for neo-Panamax vessels deployed on the canal’s route in the head and back haul legs, provided that the northbound transit’s utilisation rate is at least 70% and the time lapse between northbound and southbound transit is up to 25 days.