The programme will affect the Neopanamax and Panamax locks.
The Panama Canal announced a new phase of its Long-term Slot Allocation (LoTSA) programme, covering the period from 3 January to 3 April, 2027. The programme, for the first time, reaches both sets of locks: LoTSA Neopanamax continues the programme customers already know, and the new LoTSA Panamax Pilot Programme extends the same opportunity to customers transiting the Panamax locks.
LoTSA is designed to give customers greater predictability when planning their operations, allowing them to secure transit slots in advance during the dry season. This option provides more certainty for scheduling itineraries and makes logistics planning easier for Canal users.
The programme will be offered through sealed-bid competitions and will be backed by a specialised customer service team, dedicated to providing timely support and a smooth experience for participants.
The competition for the LoTSA Neopanamax will be held on 17 November, 2026, while the LoTSA Panamax pilot programme competition will take place on 24 November, 2026.
The Neopanamax LoTSA programme will offer 36 packages, with a total of 270 slots available (165 northbound and 105 southbound), equivalent to three daily transit slots distributed across different packages.
Meanwhile, the new pilot LoTSA programme for the Panamax locks will offer 51 packages, for a total of 288 slots (147 northbound and 141 southbound), equivalent to three daily transit slots throughout the programme period under a single flexibility level. These packages will be offered through a sealed-bid competition, maintaining the same allocation mechanism, selection criteria, and tie-breaking rules used for the Neopanamax LoTSA programme.
It is important to note that the remaining transit capacity is expected to continue being offered through the regular Reservation System and Auction process, as is currently the case.
With the LoTSA Neopanamax and LoTSA Panamax programmes, the Panama Canal reaffirms its commitment to continuous service improvement, operational efficiency, and reliable solutions for international maritime trade.
This programme is particularly relevant in the current operating environment, as the Panama Canal implements measures to ensure the sustainability of its operations in response to climatic conditions affecting water availability.
Through LoTSA, Canal customers can choose to reserve transit slots, strengthening voyage planning and enhancing the reliability of their supply chains.
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