In a change to how Panama Canal transit capacity is sold, Panamax customers will gain their first access to its Long Term Slot Allocation programme for the 2027 dry season.[4][9] The authority's 5 October advisory covers transit dates from 3 January through 3 April, while retaining the existing Neopanamax programme.[9]
The new Panamax pilot will offer 51 packages containing 288 transit slots, split between 147 northbound and 141 southbound passages, gCaptain reports.[4] The Neopanamax programme will offer 36 packages covering 270 slots, including 165 northbound and 105 southbound transits.[4] These are advance allocations of canal capacity, not additional physical capacity.[9]
The Neopanamax bidding round is scheduled for 17 November, followed by the Panamax competition on 24 November.[4] Both programmes will use sealed bids, with the Panamax pilot following the existing allocation process, selection criteria and rules for resolving tied bids.[4] Capacity outside the programme will remain available through regular reservations and auctions.[4]
The authority says the programme lets customers secure a package of slots in one transaction and reduces their reliance on daily booking competitions.[9] It is intended to make voyage planning more predictable when water availability is limited, after drought sharply restricted canal transits in 2023 and 2024.[4][9] The change broadens advance booking access rather than establishing a new shipping service or confirming a current traffic interruption.[4][9]
Sources: [4] https://gcaptain.com/panama-canal-expands-advance-transit-reservations-for-2027-dry-season [9] https://pancanal.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/ADV-37-2026-Long-Term-Slot-Allocation-Program-2027-and-Modification-to-Transit-Reservation-System-tariffs.pdf