The Panama Canal has announced a new program for the allocation of transit spaces (LoTSA) that includes a time frame from January 3 to April 3, 2027. This program, for the first time, addresses both sets of locks: the Neopanamax LoTSA program continues an initiative that customers are already familiar with, and the new Panamax LoTSA program provides a similar opportunity for customers transiting through the Panamax locks.
LoTSA Program Details
The LoTSA program allows customers to better anticipate and plan their operations by securing transit spaces in advance during the dry season. This option helps increase certainty for travel scheduling and makes logistical planning easier for canal users.
This program will be offered through closed bidding competitions and is supported by a specialized customer service team dedicated to providing timely support and a smooth experience for participants.
Competition Dates
The competition for the Neopanamax LoTSA program will be held on November 17, 2026, while the competition for the pilot Panamax LoTSA program will take place on November 24, 2026.
The Neopanamax LoTSA program offers 36 packages totaling 270 spaces (165 northbound and 105 southbound), equivalent to three daily transit spaces across various packages.
Additionally, the new pilot LoTSA program for Panamax locks offers 51 packages for a total of 288 spaces (147 northbound and 141 southbound), equivalent to three daily transit spaces during the program period under a single level of flexibility. These packages will be offered through a closed bidding competition and will maintain the same allocation mechanism, selection criteria, and tie-breaking rules used for the Neopanamax LoTSA program.
It is important to note that remaining transit capacity will still be offered through the regular reservation system and bidding process, as is currently done.
With the Neopanamax and Panamax LoTSA programs, the Panama Canal reaffirms its commitment to continuously improving services, operational efficiency, and providing reliable solutions for international maritime trade.
This program is particularly significant in the current operational conditions where the Panama Canal is taking 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 spaces, enhancing travel planning and increasing the reliability of their supply chains.
