Panama Canal Unveils NetZero Slot for Low-Carbon Vessels
The Panama Canal will launch its NetZero Slot in October 2025, offering a dedicated weekly transit slot for Neopanamax vessels that meet specific low-carbon requirements. This initiative supports the global shipping industry's transition to net-zero emissions by 2050.
The program guarantees expedited transit for ships equipped with energy-saving technologies or those that are dual-fuel-ready, capable of operating on fuels with a well-to-wake (WtW) carbon intensity below 75 gCO2(e)/MJ. Initially, the NetZero Slot will prioritize dual-fuel vessels in Period 1A, starting October 5, 2025. In Phase 2, set to begin in 2026, the program will expand to include vessels with more advanced green technologies.
Eligible vessels must use low-carbon fuels such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), ammonia, or hydrogen-based alternatives. The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) will prioritize laden vessels and those with larger Panama Canal Universal Measurement System (PCUMS) capacities to enhance operational efficiency.
The NetZero Slot is part of the Panama Canal’s broader climate neutrality commitment. The initiative also aims to strengthen the Canal’s position as a leader in sustainable shipping. Recently, Panama Canal Administrator Ricaurte Vásquez reiterated this ambition during a maritime conference in Houston and while visiting Japan in early March 2025, where he discussed sustainable trade flows of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
This program is a significant step toward Panama's long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions and becoming a global hub for sustainable shipping.
