The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has announced the launch of LoTSA 2.5, an enhanced version of its Long-Term Slot Allocation program, as part of ongoing improvements to the Transit Reservation System. The updated program is designed to offer customers greater certainty, added flexibility, and increased value when planning vessel transits through the Canal.

LoTSA 2.5 maintains the core structure of the existing program while introducing several operational enhancements aimed at improving planning efficiency and responding more effectively to market conditions. These updates include the redistribution of slots by package type and transit direction, sequential competitions by package, and broader options for date changes, slot deferrals, and transit direction adjustments, depending on the package selected.

The program will offer segmented service packages — Fix, Flex, and Flex+ — each designed to meet different levels of operational flexibility across market segments. In addition, customers will have access to a dedicated service team that will provide specialized support through multiple communication channels.

According to the ACP, the sealed-bid auction for LoTSA 2.5 is scheduled for April 28, 2026, while implementation of the program is set to begin on May 16, 2026. The booking window will cover transit dates from July 5, 2026, through January 2, 2027.

With the introduction of LoTSA 2.5, the Panama Canal reaffirms its commitment to continuous service improvement, operational efficiency, and the delivery of reliable solutions that support global maritime trade.