Panama Canal listens to industry feedback on new toll structure in public hearing

The new structure will apply to the existing Canal, as well as to the new lane of traffic when the expansion begins operation in 2016.

The new locks will allow shipping lines to transit the Canal with larger ships, providing greater economies of scale.

‘The public hearing is a very important step in this process. We want to ensure that the new toll structure is appropriately informed by all interested parties and that once approved, it is reflective of the Canal’s value and our efforts to continually improve its service responsiveness while charging a fair market price,’ said ACP administrator and ceo Jorge L. Quijano.

Comments made during the hearing, as well as those shared with the ACP in writing, will be analyzed and taken into consideration before submitting a final proposal for approval by the Canal Board of Directors and the Cabinet Council.

Upon final approval, the adjustments – for all market segments, except for the new Intra Maritime Cluster Segment – are scheduled to begin in April of 2016.

The last tolls modification was put into effect in 2012-2013 for certain vessel types. Passenger tolls have remained unchanged since 2011.

The proposed restructuring calls for each segment to be priced based upon different units of measurement, while aligning with customers’ needs and requests, and modifying pricing for all Canal segments. For instance, cruise ships will be based on berths.