Panama Canal Pushes Back on ‘Line Jumping’ Claims as Auction Slot Prices Surge

By Lori Ann LaRocco – Panama Canal authorities are trying to debunk the misconception that auction slots are a free pass to cut the line.

“People are saying, if you buy an auction slot, it allows you to come in at the last minute and jump the line,” said Victor Vial, CFO of the Panama Canal Authority (ACP). “That’s not the case. No vessel is skipping the line. The auction gave them a slot that was already accounted for to transit that day.”

Three auction slots are reserved daily to accommodate segments like LPG and LNG that need space on short