Panama Canal introduces NetZero Slot to promote low-carbon shipping

The Panama Canal reported the launch of the NetZero Slot, a transit slot reserved only for vessels with low carbon emissions, as a strategy to incentivize customers on their path to decarbonization.

Beginning October 5, 2025, the Panama Canal will implement the first phase of a weekly NetZero Slot for Neopanamax vessels that meet specific low-carbon emission requirements.

This slot will not be offered through an auction but through a competition in Period 1A, held 30 days before the transit date. The first phase will accommodate vessels equipped with dual-fuel engines that use fuel with a carbon intensity of less than 75 gCO2(e)/MJ, from extraction to combustion (Well-to-Wake, or WtW).

Specifications for a second phase, planned for 2026, will be announced at a later stage.

According to the Panama Canal Authority (ACP), the vessel entitled to the NetZero Slot will have the following benefits:

• Choosing the transit date within the week offered
• Guaranteed transit time of 24 hours
• Just-in-time (JIT) service included

Ilya Espino de Marotta, the Panama Canal’s Deputy Administrator and Sustainability Officer, highlighted that this step joins other initiatives being developed with the vision of contributing to the global goals of efficiency and effectiveness in maritime operations while reducing the carbon footprint.

“By motivating investment in vessels capable of using low-carbon fuels and energy-efficient technologies, we are recognizing and rewarding our clients who are leading the transition toward a more sustainable future, while we await the development of regional infrastructure and logistics that will allow us to make steady progress toward global decarbonization goals,” stated Espino de Marotta.

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