A-39-2026

Last-minute reservations reinstated for Panamax Locks; swaps for Super vessels from 3 Jan 2027

ActiveReceived 21 Oct 2026, 00:00 UTC

Warning text

Panama Canal Authority Vice Presidency for Operations Advisory To Shipping No. A-39-2026 October 21, 2026 TO: All Shipping Agents, Owners, and Operators SUBJECT: Modifications to the Transit Reservation (Booking) System Considering the effectiveness of the water saving measures implemented at the Locks and the positive impact of recent close to average precipitation levels on the Canal watershed, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has been able to sustain the number of transits being offered at the Panamax Locks, therefore, effective immediately, we are pleased to announce the reinstalment of the Last-Minute Reservation service at the Panamax Locks. The Last-Minute Reservation service will be made available in accordance with the criteria and rules set forth in Notice to Shipping N-07 when a slot becomes available and the ACP, at its sole discretion, decides to offer such slot. Additionally, the rules mentioned in the Notice to Shipping N-07, article 23, section 12, regarding the rules for Swaps and Substitutions between Alliance Members that were only available for Neopanamax vessels, will also be available for vessels in the Super category for booking dates beginning January 3, 2027. Please note that all other Swap and Substitution rules set forth in the N-07 remain in effect. While the water deficit in the Canal watershed persists, the Transit Reservation (Booking) System remains the only mechanism to guarantee a transit date. Therefore, vessels without a reservation may experience extremely extensive delays. The Canal remains committed to closely monitoring water conditions and rainfall levels and will communicate any further adjustments in a timely manner, as circumstances warrant. For inquiries regarding these measures, please contact: [email protected] ORIGINAL SIGNED Boris Moreno Vásquez Vice President for Operations 3654-A (OP-I) V. 29/03/2023

Analysis

Active

The Panama Canal Authority has reinstated the Last-Minute Reservation service at the Panamax Locks effective immediately, to be offered when ACP decides a slot is available under Notice to Shipping N-07. Rules in N-07, article 23, section 12 allowing Swaps and Substitutions between Alliance Members will be extended to Super category vessels for booking dates beginning 3 January 2027. The Transit Reservation (Booking) System remains the only mechanism to guarantee a transit date; vessels without a reservation may experience extremely extensive delays. The ACP will continue to monitor water conditions and may adjust measures as necessary.

Type: Port / channel notice · severity info
Location: Panamax Locks, Panama Canal
Validity: From 21 Oct 2026, 00:00 UTC
effective immediately; swaps and substitutions for Super category vessels available for booking dates beginning January 3, 2027
Activity periods: 21 Oct 2026, 00:00 UTC - ? (Last-Minute Reservation service reinstated effective immediately)
03 Jan 2027, 00:00 UTC - ? (Rules for Swaps and Substitutions (N-07 art.23 sect.12) extended to Super category for booking dates from this date)

Worked out automatically from the warning text on 21 Oct 2026, 17:17 UTC. It can be wrong: the official warning text is the authority.

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