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NetZero Slot

Introducing the NetZero Slot

The Panama Canal is proud to launch the NetZero Slot, a pioneering initiative designed to accelerate the decarbonization of maritime shipping. This weekly reservation opportunity encourages Neopanamax customers to invest in energy efficiency and adopt low-carbon fuels, in line with the Canal’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Beginning October 3, 2025, participating vessels will be able to compete for a dedicated Neopanamax slot each week through the Transit Reservation System, with benefits including a guaranteed 24-hour transit time, Just-In-Time (JIT) service at no additional cost, and flexibility for swaps or substitutions with vessels of the same characteristics.

In this first phase, the NetZero Slot will be open to dual-fuel vessels capable of operating on fuels with an estimated well-to-wake (WtW) carbon intensity of 75 gCO₂e/MJ or lower, such as LNG, LPG, methanol, and ammonia, recognizing early investments in low-carbon technologies even before these fuels become widely available.

Currently, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is developing the Sustainable Fuel Certification Scheme, which will certify the greenhouse gas intensity (GFI – GHG Fuel Intensity) of marine fuels. This scheme will measure the amount of greenhouse gases emitted per unit of energy used, expressed in grams of CO₂ equivalent per megajoule (gCO₂eq/MJ), and will cover the entire fuel life cycle, from production to on-board consumption, using the well-to-wake approach.

In the future, this certification will allow the Canal to verify, in a standardized way, that vessels meet the required carbon intensity to participate in programs such as the NetZero Slot.

This initiative represents an important step in the Canal’s sustainability strategy, recognizing the efforts of industry leaders who are driving the transition toward a cleaner and more resilient global supply chain.

For more information or inquiries, contact operationservices@pancanal.com

For more information or inquiries, contact operationservices@pancanal.com

Competition Calendar

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the NetZero Slot?

The NetZero Slot is a weekly reservation opportunity created to encourage Neopanamax customers to invest in energy efficiency and low-carbon fuels, supporting the Panama Canal’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

2. When does the NetZero Slot program start?

The first competition will be held on October 3, 2025, for transits scheduled during the week of November 2–8, 2025. Competitions will take place weekly from 0800 to 0830 on the opening date of Booking Period 1A for the corresponding Sunday transit week. Competition Calendar

3. How do I participate?

Customers must submit a booking request through the Transit Reservation (Booking) System, specifying their intended day of transit during the offered week.

4. How many NetZero Slots are available?

One Neopanamax slot per week is allocated to the NetZero initiative. Once awarded, the total number of slots available in Booking Period 1A for that date will be reduced accordingly.

5. What are the benefits of winning a NetZero Slot?
  • Choice of transit date within the offered week
  • Guaranteed 24-hour in-transit time
  • Just-In-Time (JIT) service at no additional cost
  • Ability to swap or substitute with another vessel with the same characteristics used in the slot allocation
6. What are the participation requirements?

For this phase, vessels must:

  • Be dual-fuel capable and able to operate on at least one fuel with a well-to-wake carbon intensity ≤ 75 gCO₂e/MJ (e.g., LNG, LPG, methanol, ammonia, ethane).
  • Have completed their initial admeasurement inspection with the Panama Canal (first-time transit vessels are not eligible).

No additional paperwork is required — eligibility will be verified based on the vessel’s engine registration information.

7. Which dual fuel engines qualify?

All dual-fuel engines capable of using alternative fuels with a WtW carbon intensity ≤ 75 gCO₂e/MJ, for example:

  • Dual LNG-fuel
  • Dual LPG-fuel
  • Dual methanol-fuel
  • Dual ammonia-fuel
8. How is the winner selected?

The NetZero Slot is not auctioned. Eligible vessels are ranked using the following criteria, in order:

  1. Cargo Condition: Laden vessels are ranked higher.
  2. Capacity: Preference is given to vessels with larger PCUMS tonnage.
  3. Economic Contribution: In case of a tie, priority is given to vessels with the highest combined payments of tolls, marine services, booking, and auction fees from their most recent transit.
9. What fees apply to the NetZero Slot?

The vessel awarded the NetZero Slot will be charged the Transit Reservation – Neopanamax Vessel fee as published in the Maritime Services Tariff.

10. Will the eligibility criteria change in the future?

Yes. As the shipping industry continues progressing toward decarbonization, the Panama Canal will periodically review and update the criteria to ensure the program continues incentivizing innovation and investment in low-carbon solutions.

11. Where can I get more information?

For additional inquiries, please contact operationservices@pancanal.com