The Panama Canal is set to implement a new category within its transit reservation system, the NetZero Slot, designed to promote maritime decarbonization and support the canal’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The first auction to allocate this slot will be held on October 3, 2025. Starting from that date, one weekly slot will be reserved exclusively for vessels that meet low-emission criteria. To participate in this initial phase, vessels must be registered as dual-fuel ships and be capable of operating on at least one fuel with a carbon intensity factor equal to or less than 75 gCO₂e/MJ.
Eligible fuels include green methanol, green ammonia, bio-LNG, or bio-LPG. Instead of an auction, vessels will compete weekly under a prioritization scheme based on: Cargo condition: Preference will be given to vessels with cargo. Panama Canal Universal Measurement System (PC/UMS) capacity: Priority will be given to those with higher tonnage. Economic contribution: Combined payments of tolls, maritime services, and prior transit fees (used as a tie-breaking criterion). “The NetZero Slot is an unequivocal signal of our commitment to sustainability and the competitiveness of global trade. With this initiative, we seek to support our clients in the transition towards a low-emission future,” stated Ilya Espino de Marotta, Deputy Administrator and Director of Sustainability.
Meanwhile, Panama is moving full steam ahead in developing a national plan to decarbonize its maritime sector and has reiterated its commitment to meeting the standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). “In the next five months, we expect to have a draft of the action plan ready so we can begin its execution as soon as possible. However, we need the collaboration of various industry players,” announced Alexander De Gracia, interim administrator of the MPA.
