Panama Canal Proposes Toll Structure Modifications

On July 24, 2019, the Panama Canal Authority held a public hearing on its proposed toll structure modifications set for January 1, 2020, according to the latestUSDA Grain Transportation Report.

After consideration and implementation of some of the suggestions presented in the comments, the Panama Canal Board of Directors will approve the proposal and present it to the Cabinet Council of the Republic of Panama for official approval.

The proposal impacts all segments including dry bulk, passenger, containership, vehicle carrier, tanker and RoRo (roll-on roll-off) vessels.

The proposed modifications are designed to increase transparency and flexibility, and to ensure the waterway remains competitive. For details,click here.

In related news, the East Lane of the Gatun Panamax Locks on the Panama Canal will be closed for 10 hours, for maintenance and repair work, on August 20, 2019.

The estimated transit capacity of the Canal due to the maintenance work is 28–30 vessels per day, rather than the normal transit capacity of 32–34 vessels, depending on vessel mix and other factors. At this time, no major delays are anticipated.