JIT Transit Slots Reduced at Panama Canal
The Panama Canal has experienced an unusual increase in the number of vessels awaiting transit during the past few weeks. Several measures have been implemented to reduce the backlog, such as the suspension of all maintenance work and the addition of locks personnel.
In order to increase scheduling flexibility, effectively immediately and until further notice, the number of JIT [Just In Time] transit slots for "supers" (vessels 91' beam and over) will be reduced to one per direction. Vessels that have previously been confirmed a JIT transit slot will be honored.
The Canal is closely monitoring the current situation and will implement further measures as deemed necessary to reduce the backlog.
Source: Panama Canal Authority Advisory to Shipping No.A-07-2015 dated 24 March 2015
