September 17, 2025
Panama Canal announces implementation of a NetZero transit slot
The Panama Canal announced the launch of the NetZero Slot, a new category within its transit reservation system designed to encourage the decarbonization of maritime shipping and to support the canal's institutional commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
The first competition to allocate this slot will take place on October 3, 2025, applicable to the transit week of November 28, 2025. Beginning on that date, one weekly slot will be reserved exclusively for vessels that meet low-emission criteria.
Benefits for clients awarded the NetZero Slot include:
• Freedom to select their preferred transit date within the assigned week.
• Guaranteed transit within 24 hours.
• Inclusion of the Just-in-Time service.
• Flexibility to exchange, or substitute vessels of equivalent specifications.
In this initial phase, vessels must be registered as dual-fuel and capable of operating on at least one fuel with a carbon intensity factor equal to, or less than 75 gCO2e/MJ. Eligible fuels include green methanol, green ammonia, bio-LNG (Liquified Natural Gas), or bio-LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas). While immediate use of these fuels will not be required, the canal will recognize the investment and capacity to operate them once supply becomes available.
Source: Panama Canal Authority