Panama Canal issues proposal to modify tolls structure

   The Panama Canal has published a proposal to modify its current tolls structure for the dry bulk, passenger, containership and vehicle carrier and ro/ro segments, as well as tankers and LPG and LNG vessels.
   A 30-day formal consultation period for industry feedback will close July 15.
   The Panama Canal has published a proposal to modify its current tolls structure for the dry bulk, passenger, containership and vehicle carrier and ro/ro segments, as well as tankers and LPG and LNG vessels.
   A 30-day formal consultation period for industry feedback will close July 15.
   “Our proposed modifications will increase transparency and flexibility, among other improvements, to ensure the Panama Canal remains competitive and optimal for the industry today and moving forward,” said Panama Canal Administrator Jorge L. Quijano.
   For the dry bulk segment, the proposal is to match tolls charged to Neopanamax vessels carrying iron ore with those assessed for grains and other dry bulk cargoes. There also would be a tariff increase for Neopanamax dry bulkers transiting in ballast.
   For the containership segment — the main user of Neopanamax Locks — the proposed toll modifications “will help retain and incentivize increased cargo volumes through the Panama Canal,” it said. “Specifically, the proposal offers more attractive rates for customers who benefit from the Panama Canal Loyalty Program by adding new levels with reduced rates in the capacity charge for shipping lines deploying between 2 million to 3 million TEUs and additional reductions for lines deploying an incremental over 3 million TEUs. 
   “The incentive implemented in the last toll modification of fiscal year 2018 for total TEU loaded in the return voyage will remain in effect,” the canal said.
   For the vehicle carrier and ro/ro segment, the proposed modifications include “a new tariff category or range precisely designed for Neopanamax vessels to account vessels sizes and capacity. Additional modifications for this segment include slight increments in tolls tariffs for Panamax-sized vessels, as well as minor adjustments based on vessel size ranges,” the statement from the Panama Canal said.
   Toll structures for tankers, chemical tankers, LPG and LNG vessels would remain unchanged, according to the proposal, “but tolls adjustments are proposed to more closely align with the value of the route.”
   “Lastly — and based on comments submitted by clients during the 2017 public consultation and hearing process — the canal proposes to review the rates charged to vessels carrying containers on deck, which do not belong to the container shipping segment, to allow for differentiated charges for containers that are empty, dry or refrigerated,” the canal said.
   A public hearing will be held at 9 a.m. July 24 in Panama City. The canal will consider all correspondence received by 4:15 p.m. July 15, as well as comments and opinions presented during the public hearing.
   Implementation of the modifications to the tolls structure is planned for Jan. 1.