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ADVISORIES ARE AVAILABLE AT http://www.pancanal.com FOR ETAS OR DIRECT COMMUNICATION WITH OUR OFFICES, REFER TO NOTICE N-3-2023 Panama Canal Authority Vice Presidency for Operations Advisory To Shipping No. A-28-2025 September 29, 2025 TO: All Shipping Agents, Owners, and Operators SUBJECT: Modifications to the Transit Reservation (Booking) System – Enhanced Long-Term Slot Allocation (LoTSA 2.0) The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) is pleased to announce modifications to the Transit Reservation (Booking) System and the launch of LoTSA 2.0, the next generation of Long-Term Slot Allocation program, designed to deliver greater certainty, flexibility and value for our customers. Building on the experience of LoTSA 1.0, this enhanced program introduces a more customer-focused approach to support efficient transit planning and cost-effective operations. With LoTSA 2.0, the Panama Canal Authority aims to drive continuous improvements and respond to evolving market demands. The updated program integrates feedback from earlier versions and introduces changes designed to help customers plan more reliably, reduce operational costs, and book transit slots that align with their service requirements. Key Features of LoTSA 2.0 •Shorter horizon: LoTSA is transitioning from a 12-month cycle product to two separate 6-month cycle products. oThe first cycle: covering transit dates from January 4, 2026 to July 4, 2026, will require sealed bids to be submitted on October 28, 2025, between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. (Panama time). oThe second cycle: covering transit dates from July 5, 2026 to January 3, 2027, sealed bid auction details will be announced in due course. •Daily Slot Volume: Average daily slots will be 3, compared to 4 in LoTSA 1.0. •Segmented Service Packages: Packages are now divided according to customers’ operational requirements. oFix packages: For Full Container, LNG and LPG vessels that require guaranteed certainty in booking slots. oFlex packages: For Full Container, LNG and LPG vessels that need booking slots adaptable to operational changes. oFlex+ packages: For LNG, LPG and other market segments vessels that require flexibility such as Dry bulk, RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) and Car Carriers to operate in dynamic environments. These packages allow customers to tailor their transit plans to meet specific operational and business needs—whether seeking guaranteed certainty or dynamic flexibility. New offers include: FixContainer, FlexContainer, FixGas, FlexGas, FlexGas+, FlexSlot+. •Dedicated LoTSA Customer Service Team: A specialized support team will be available across multiple channels to provide expert and personalized assistance. Contact details and schedules for the LoTSA Customer Service Team will be provided in mid-October. Key benefits for LoTSA 2.0: •Advanced Access: Reserve preferred transit dates and provide their vessel names up to 15 days in advance. •Flexible Changes: Modify booking dates up to two times (depending on the package) with five days’ notice without additional charges. Booking-related services are included. •Smart Cancellations: Cancel at least 15 days in advance and pay only 80% of the awarded bid price. •Dynamic Operations: Ideal for fast-changing environments and real-time decision-making. 3654-A (OP-I) V. 29/03/2023 3654-A (OP-I) V. 29/03/2023 OP, September 29, 2025 Subject: Modifications to the Transit Reservation (Booking) System – Enhanced Long-Term Slot Allocation (LoTSA 2.0) • Competitive Advantage: Higher bids en
May 4, 2007
Panama Canal Authority
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