PANAMA CANAL TRANSITS
Shorter Traveling Distance & Larger Capacity
The Panama Canal is a lock-type canal, so it does not employ the convoy system.
In 1983 the Canal adopted an optional transit reservation system with a daily, limited number of payable bookings.
Each vessel is assigned a transit schedule in accordance with regulations governing pilotage and other restrictions imposed by the vessel's type, size, and/or cargo.
Wilford & McKay liaises closely with the Panama Canal Authority for safe and smooth transits through the waterway keeping customers well informed of the dynamic canal traffic situation and all available options which may be considered to avoid delays trying to keep ship demurrage times and operating costs minimal.
Due to the complexity of the reservation system, we encourage inquiries regarding pre-booking options.
Booking System
A booked transit will guarantee the vessel's passage no later than the booked date; however, the transit schedule will be assigned by Canal Authority a day before transit date, considering the vessel's category, the transit restriction and the mixture of vessels transiting in both north and southbound directions.
