Panama City, September 12, 2025. The Panama Canal Authority has introduced a new category in its transit reservation system called the NetZero Slot, aimed at promoting decarbonization in maritime trade and reinforcing its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
The first competition for this slot will take place on October 3, 2025, covering the transit week of November 2–8, 2025. From that point forward, one weekly slot will be reserved exclusively for vessels that meet low-emission criteria.
Benefits for Awarded Vessels
Ships granted the NetZero Slot will receive several advantages:
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Freedom to choose their preferred transit date within the assigned week.
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Guaranteed transit within 24 hours.
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Access to the Just-in-Time service.
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Flexibility to exchange or substitute vessels of similar specifications.
Eligibility Requirements
During the initial phase, eligible vessels must be dual-fuel ships capable of operating on at least one fuel with a carbon intensity factor at or below 75 gCO₂e/MJ. Approved fuels include green methanol, green ammonia, bio-LNG, or bio-LPG.
Although immediate use of these fuels will not be required, the Canal will recognize vessels that have invested in and developed the capacity to operate with them once supplies become more widely available.
Selection Process
Unlike other slots, the NetZero Slot will not be auctioned. Instead, vessels will compete weekly under a prioritization scheme based on:
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Cargo condition: Preference for loaded ships.
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PCUMS capacity: Higher tonnage prioritized.
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Economic contribution: Combined tolls, service payments, and fees from prior transits used as a tiebreaker.
A Step Toward Sustainable Trade
“The NetZero Slot is an unequivocal signal of our commitment to sustainability and the competitiveness of global trade. Through this initiative, we aim to support our customers in the transition toward a low-emissions future,” said Ilya Espino de Marotta, Deputy Administrator and Chief Sustainability Officer of the Panama Canal.
Written on September 19, 2025
