Panama Canal Client Info #2

Deteriorating situation at the Panama Canal

Dear Customers,

We refer to our recent client circular in this matter dated 15 November 2023.

In the meantime, the situation is deteriorating further with waiting times having become totally unpredictable. In view of this drastic development, we are, through our agents, pushing for the Panama Canal Authority to make additional official announcements.

Given the current procedures where there are currently very limited auctions of slots, and no “non-booked” vessels accepted to pass the canal, we do not expect any of our vessels to pass the Panama Canal in a foreseeable timeframe.

Consequently, voyages have to be routed via the Magellan Strait, alternatively Cape of Good Hope, with transit times extended accordingly. As mentioned earlier, resulting waiting times and re-routing will have to be handled in accordance with the Carrier‘s Canals and Waterways Clause.

We will update you in due course about further developments in this matter.

Kind regards

BBC Chartering GmbH & Co. KG
AS AGENTS

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