On January 1, 2023, a new tariff system for transits in the Panama Canal will come into force

In particular, the ACP explained that its proposal for tariff system provides for the elimination of price ranges with the introduction of a single tariff related to the locks of the channel used and the type and size of the vessel. Such tariff will be based on two components: a flat rate for transit related to the locks used and the category ship size (regular, i.e. the width below at 27.74 meters; super, that is, at least 27.74 meters wide; or neo-panamax, that is, with a width of more than 32.61 meters). The authority specified that for some types and sizes of ships these categories will be further subdivided for the purposes of defining a tariff that reflects the value that the channel offers its customers. The second component consists of from a capacity-based tariff and related to the type of ship, its size category and tariff unit defined, a component that has been designed to recognize the value of the service provided by the channel to each market segment and dimensional category. There are also specific rates for ships traveling in ballast.

Among the examples illustrated by the Autoridad del Canal de Panamá to explain what will be the level of tariffs for different types of ships, the authority mentioned that of a neo-panamax container ship with a capacity of 12,000 teu carrying full containers equal to 90% of the total and containers empty equal to 10%: starting from the first of January 2023 these types of ships, in addition to the fixed fee of 300 thousand dollars for units neo-panamax with a capacity of more than 10 thousand teu, will pay 40 dollars for each full teu container and 5 dollars for each empty teu container, for a total of 1.098 million Dollars. If the customer operating this ship will carry out transits in the Panamanian canal with container ships for a total of more than 1.5 million teu of capacity for a period of 12 consecutive months, a discount will be applied and the toll will be equal to 95% of the normal rate, with the ship from 12,000 teu that will have to pay 1.043 million dollars. That as part of a "loyalty program" that will be in force in 2023 and 2024 and will be eliminated in 2025.

Now the Autoridad del Canal de Panamá will start a consultation process on the new tariff system and the next On 20 May he will hold a public hearing. Afterwards the suggested changes that are considered are included in the system the Panamanian Government will then ensure that approve the new tariff system.