Panama Canal ready to start rewarding low-carbon ships

Next week, the Panama Canal will launch NetZero Slot, an initiative designed to incentivize Neopanamax vessels powered by clean fuels and equipped with energy-efficient technologies.

With this move, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) aims to support the maritime industry’s global decarbonization goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

The weekly reservation opportunity encourages Neopanamax customers to invest in energy efficiency and adopt low-carbon fuels, as per the ACP.

“The NetZero Slot is part of the Panama Canal’s commitment to reward and incentivize investments in energy efficiency and low-carbon fuels. As the shipping industry and its value chain progresses toward net-zero emissions, we will continuously update the eligibility criteria to recognize and support these efforts,” the ACP said.

As informed, the first competition of this weekly slot will be held on October 3, 2025, for transits during the week of November 2 through November 8, 2025. To participate in the NetZero Slot competition, customers must submit their requests through the booking system, including the intended transit day of the week.

In order to participate, vessels must be registered as dual-fuel and capable