Effective January 1, 2023, the Panama Canal Authority has implemented a Transit Disruption fee for vessels that present unreported deficiencies while underway. This fee is in addition to other charges incurred for services like tugs, pilotage, launches, anchorage, and pilot delay. The severity of the disruption determines the additional charges imposed on the vessel, based on the day's schedule.
The specific deficiencies that can trigger the fee are outlined in Advisory A-38-2022, which provides a list of common deficiencies. However, this list is not exhaustive, and any other deficiency identified by the vessel's Master must also be reported. A more detailed list of deficiencies can be found in the document referenced in Advisory A-38-2022. You can access the document at this link: Deficiency Matrix
Masters, owners, and operators are responsible for reviewing the referenced document and gathering deficiency-related information from vessels before their arrival. This includes obtaining any forms signed during previous transits and relaying this information to the transit agent, who will report it to the Panama Canal Authority prior to the vessel's arrival.
There have already been cases where deficiencies in air conditioning (A/C), engines, and generators have been identified, resulting in billing for the additional charges. For A/C deficiency criteria, please refer to Advisory A-11-2023. You can access the document at this link: Advisory A-11-2023.
To prevent disruptions and potential fees, owners are advised to review the Advisory and access the link provided to the list of common deficiencies. Each item on the list should be cross-checked against Panama Canal Notice to Shipping N-01-2023. You can access the document at this link: Panama Canal Notice to Shipping N-01-2023. This will help determine compliance with the Authority's standards. While this process may be time-consuming and cumbersome, it will help assess the vessel's condition in relation to ACP standards.
For further inquiries, you can contact us at asa@shipsagent.com. We will be happy to assist you with any additional questions or concerns you may have. The Canal documents mentioned in the previous information can be accessed at the official Panama Canal website: www.pancanal.com.
Comments