Panama Canal Restores Slot Rules, Updates NetZero Inspections

Transit Slot Reallocation Returns to Earlier Criteria

The Panama Canal Authority has revised how it reallocates transit slots that are cancelled or become available during booking periods 1A and 2 at the Neopanamax locks. The authority announced the change in Advisory to Shipping No. A-40-2026, dated October 30, 2026. The change took effect immediately and reverses a temporary measure introduced in July 2026; the authority said vessel traffic has since normalized.

Under the restored rules, available slots in these periods will go through a special allocation process. Priority follows this order:

1. Container ships
2. LNG carriers
3. LPG carriers
4. Vehicle carriers or RoRo vessels

Within each vessel segment, Transit TEU Allowance (TTA) capacity will serve as the first tiebreaker where applicable, followed by customer ranking as the second tiebreaker.

NetZero Program Eligibility Updated

The advisory also updates eligibility requirements for vessels making their first canal transit under the NetZero program, which supports investment in low-carbon, energy-efficient vessels. To compete for NetZero slots, a first-time vessel must obtain a preliminary admeasurement inspection from the canal’s Admeasurement Unit before the competition date. The authority may issue this preliminary determination based on the documents submitted and, when necessary, a physical vessel inspection, which can be carried out outside Panama.

The updated requirements take effect on November 1, 2026. Vessel owners, operators, or authorized agents can request the preliminary determination before their vessels reach canal waters. The canal authority can then collect information to calculate tolls, determine vessel tonnage under the Panama Canal Universal Measurement System (PC/UMS), identify engine types, and verify other NetZero participation requirements.

Applicants must submit the required technical documentation and pay applicable fees and charges. If an overseas inspection is needed, the customer pays the inspection fee and travel-related expenses and arranges permits and access to the vessel at the port. Overseas inspection fees are $14,000 in the Americas, $21,000 in Europe and $28,000 in Asia, Africa and Oceania, plus $3,500 for each additional day.

Submitting a request does not by itself establish eligibility. Eligibility is confirmed only after the Admeasurement Unit completes its evaluation and issues the preliminary determination. The authority asks customers to apply well ahead of their intended competition date; vessels that have not completed the process by that date cannot take part in the NetZero competition. The preliminary inspection does not replace final verification or any inspection the authority may require when the vessel arrives in canal waters or before transit.

What It Means for Operators

The canal authority says the measures reinforce its commitment to low-carbon, energy-efficient vessels while keeping transit-capacity allocation clear and predictable. Advisory to Shipping No. A-40-2026 sets out the full provisions.

For fleet managers and technical superintendents, the restored priority order provides a clearer basis for planning Neopanamax transits in periods 1A and 2. The authority says allowing inspections outside Panama is meant to streamline participation in the NetZero program.