The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) plans to temporarily reduce the number of booking slots for supers in the third period to 5, for a total of 15 slots, due to “an unusual delay” in transits for non-booked vessels.
The reduction will become effective on January 20, 2017, and will be maintained until further notice, according to the ACP.
The measure is being introduced in response to “growing concerns” of shippers regarding the extended waiting period currently experienced by their vessels, the ACP said.
Applications for reserved transits under these terms will be received commencing on January 17, 2017. The booking slots available through the auction process will continue to be offered and the limits by direction and restriction will remain unchanged, the ACP added.
Earlier in January, the East lane of the Gatun Locks was out of service for three days as the ACP performed “unforeseen repairs” on the northeast approach wall.