The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) continues to support and encourage investments in low-carbon and
energy-efficient vessels through an update to the NetZero Slot Program. Under this update, first-transit
vessels may participate in the NetZero Slot competition once the ACP has issued the required preliminary
admeasurement inspection.
- Requirements for First-Time Transit Vessels to Participate
To participate in the NetZero Slot competition, first-time vessels must obtain a preliminary admeasurement inspection from the Panama Canal Admeasurement Unit prior to the competition date.
This preliminary determination must include the following information needed to evaluate the vessel for the competition date:
- Toll basis
- Panama Canal Universal Measurement System (PC/UMS) tonnage
- Review of all pertinent information for the vessel database, including the engine type and the
vessel’s eligibility for the NetZero Program - Any other vessel information required by the ACP.
- How Customers May Request a Preliminary Admeasurement Inspection
Vessel owners, operators, or authorized vessel agents interested in participating in the NetZero Slot competition with first-time vessels may request a preliminary admeasurement determination through the Panama Canal Admeasurement Unit, in accordance with ACP-established procedures. Requests shall include the technical documentation and information required by the ACP and are subject to applicable fees and charges.
Submission of a request does not, itself, establish eligibility. Eligibility will be confirmed only after the Panama Canal Admeasurement Unit has completed the required evaluation and issued the corresponding preliminary admeasurement inspection. - Admeasurement Review and Vessel Inspection
The ACP may issue the preliminary admeasurement determination supported by the documents submitted and, when necessary, a vessel inspection.
A vessel inspection may be conducted outside the Republic of Panama under Maritime Service Tariff Item 1080, Vessel Inspections Overseas, Subject to Customer Request. The applicable tariff will depend on the inspection location, as shown below: