Panama Canal Fees Hike Planned For July

by Lloyd's List - last modified May 28, 2012 01:00 PM

PANAMA Canal tolls are set to be increased by an unspecified amount from the start of July.

Public hearings on the proposal took place last week.

According to the statement, the existing toll structure will be revised, with greater differentiation by vessel type, with 11 instead of eight categories featured on the rate card.

The tanker segment will be divided into three, there will be a new segment for container/break bulk, while ro-ro vessels will be incorporated into the vehicle-carrier segment.

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) wants to increase tolls for the following segments: general cargo, container/break bulk, dry bulk, tanker, chemical tanker, LPG, vehicle carrier and ro-ro, and the category known as 'others'.

The remaining segments – container, reefer and passenger – will not be adjusted this time, nor will the price per teu for containers carried on board a vessel.

Additionally, there will be changes to tolls applicable to small vessels based on vessel length, to incorporate adjustments not previously considered.

Ship owners protested through their trade body, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS).

Plans to increase toll charges for the Panama Canal are, ship owners say, “rushed, excessive and likely to cause further problems for shipping companies”.

The ICS has sent a “strongly worded” letter to the ACP describing plans to increase tolls by up to 15% as ‘simply unacceptable’.

It calls for the plans to be withdrawn and for future increases to be given with at least six months’ notice to enable shipping companies to plan properly and fully assess the impact of the proposed changes.

Back to News