THE Panama Canal has announced proposed toll increases for big ships and minimum tolls for small vessels, which marks the beginning of a 30-day consultation period which allows the industry to respond before the July 15 deadline.
After comments have been received, the Cabinet Council of the Republic of Panama will approve the modifications that will become effective on January 1, 2020, reports the American Journal of Transportation.
'With this proposal, we aim to better serve the global maritime industry,' said Panama Canal Administrator Jorge Quijano.
'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,' he said.
For containerships - the main user of neopanamax locks - the toll modifications will help retain and incentivise increased cargo volumes through the canal, said the authority's press release.
'Specifically, the proposal offers more attractive rates for customers who benefit from the Panama Canal Loyalty Programme by adding new levels with reduced rates in the capacity charge for shipping lines deploying between two million to three million TEU, and additional reductions for lines deploying an incremental over three million TEU. The incentive implemented in the last toll modification of fiscal year 2018 for total TEU loaded in the return voyage (TTLR) will remain in effect,' it said.
To add further transparency to the toll structure for the Vehicle Carrier and ro-ro segment, the proposed modifications include - for the first time - a new tariff category or range precisely designed for neopanamax vessels to account vessels sizes and capacity.
WORLD SHIPPING
After comments have been received, the Cabinet Council of the Republic of Panama will approve the modifications that will become effective on January 1, 2020, reports the American Journal of Transportation.
'With this proposal, we aim to better serve the global maritime industry,' said Panama Canal Administrator Jorge Quijano.
'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,' he said.
For containerships - the main user of neopanamax locks - the toll modifications will help retain and incentivise increased cargo volumes through the canal, said the authority's press release.
'Specifically, the proposal offers more attractive rates for customers who benefit from the Panama Canal Loyalty Programme by adding new levels with reduced rates in the capacity charge for shipping lines deploying between two million to three million TEU, and additional reductions for lines deploying an incremental over three million TEU. The incentive implemented in the last toll modification of fiscal year 2018 for total TEU loaded in the return voyage (TTLR) will remain in effect,' it said.
To add further transparency to the toll structure for the Vehicle Carrier and ro-ro segment, the proposed modifications include - for the first time - a new tariff category or range precisely designed for neopanamax vessels to account vessels sizes and capacity.
WORLD SHIPPING