Wedoany.com Report-Sept. 28, The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) will launch the NetZero Slot initiative on October 3, 2025, to promote the use of Neopanamax vessels powered by low-carbon fuels and equipped with energy-efficient technologies. This program, aligned with the maritime industry’s decarbonization goals, supports the ACP’s aim to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The first weekly slot competition will cover transits from November 2 to November 8, 2025.

The ACP stated: “The NetZero Slot is part of the Panama Canal’s commitment to reward and incentivize investments in energy efficiency and low-carbon fuels. As the shipping industry and its value chain progresses toward net-zero emissions, we will continuously update the eligibility criteria to recognize and support these efforts.”

Eligible vessels must be dual-fuel, capable of operating on fuels with a well-to-wake carbon intensity of 75 gCO₂(e)/MJ or lower, such as LNG, LPG, methanol, or ammonia. The ACP noted: “The Panama Canal acknowledges that the availability and scalability of such fuels are still under development. Therefore, vessels will not be required to use lower-carbon fuels immediately.” First-time transit vessels are ineligible until inspected by the Panama Canal Admeasurement Unit upon arrival.

The NetZero Slot will be allocated based on cargo condition, capacity, and economic contribution, rather than through auctions. Customers must submit requests via the booking system, specifying the intended transit day. The initiative, first introduced earlier in 2025, prioritizes vessels with energy-efficient technologies and low-carbon fuel capabilities, fostering sustainable maritime practices.

The ACP also outlined a 10-year roadmap to strengthen the Panama Canal’s role in global trade and enhance Panama’s economic growth. This includes an investment of over $7.9 million in strategic projects, such as the Río Indio Reservoir, which will secure water for over one million Panamanians and ensure reliable canal transits. Additionally, the Interoceanic Energy Corridor, featuring a 76-kilometer pipeline and two maritime terminals, will facilitate the movement of up to 2.5 million barrels of energy products daily, creating over 45,000 jobs during construction and 11,000 during operations. The Corozal Port will integrate into a logistics platform with road and rail connections, further boosting Panama’s position as a global trade hub.

These initiatives are expected to generate significant economic benefits, including job creation and increased revenue for national development projects, while advancing sustainable practices in global maritime and logistics sectors.