The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has launched the NetZero Slot, an initiative aimed at encouraging the maritime industry to operate on low-carbon fuels and technologies. The first slot competition took place on October 3, 2025, with awarded vessels scheduled for transit during the week of November 2.
The NetZero Slot is available for eligible Neopanamax vessels — ships which are constructed to fit the expanded Panama Canal locks, measuring up to 366 meters in length and 49 meters in beam.
Eligibility criteria:
- Registered as dual-fuel capable.
- Operate on fuels with a well-to-wake (WtW) carbon intensity of 75 gCO₂(e)/MJ or lower, such as LNG, LPG, ammonia, or methanol. At the time of writing, the WtW calculation methodology has not been specified, and only approximate values are provided.
While immediate use of these fuels is not mandatory, vessels must demonstrate readiness to switch to low-carbon options.
Vessels awarded a NetZero Slot will benefit from:
- Choice of transit date within the designated week
- Guaranteed 24-hour transit time through the Canal
- Just-In-Time scheduling
- Flexibility to swap slots with similar vessels if needed
Unlike auction-based slot allocations, the NetZero Slot will be awarded based on an order of criteria:
- Laden vessels are prioritised
- Larger sized vessels, measured using Panama Canal Universal Measurement System (PCUMS) tonnage,
- Vessel’s recent economic contribution to the Canal.
Vessels making their first transit are excluded until after inspection by the Panama Canal Admeasurement Unit.
For comprehensive details and application procedures, please refer to the official Panama Canal guidance here.
In other Panama Canal developments, ACP has introduced LoTSA 2.0, the next generation of its Long-Term Slot Allocation program. This update reduces the booking window from 12 months to two six-month cycles and decreases the average daily slot allocation from four to three. LoTSA 2.0 is designed to improve voyage planning, optimise operations, and reduce emissions, benefiting both the Canal and its users.
Source: NorthStandard
