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Panama does not administer the canal; instead, it awaits the arrival of Rubio.

Quijano, former Panama Canal administrator, refutes claims of Chinese influence and underscores Panamanian sovereignty, emphasizing fair tolls along the interoceanic route that support global commerce.

,   and  ASMedia
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Unraveling the Enigma: The Real Deal About the Panama Canal's Tariffs

Panama does not administer the canal; instead, it awaits the arrival of Rubio.

Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of the Panama Canal's tariff structure. This intricate system is built upon two main components, carefully calculated to ensure efficient operation and fairness[1][3].

The Core Components:

Fixed Rates:

Determined by:- Vessel size categories: Panamax, Neopanamax, and beyond[3].- Locks utilized: Original Panamax locks vs. the expanded Neopanamax locks[3].

For instance, a vessel exceeding 39.5 ft draft or requiring Neopanamax locks will pay Neopanamax tariffs[3].

Capacity-Based Rates:

Calculated per:- Container ships: TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit), encompassing both loaded and empty containers[3].- Other vessels: Deadweight ton, cubic meter, or Panama Canal Universal Measurement System (PC/UMS) net ton[3].

Additional Charges:

  • Pilotage fees:
  • Incidental Port Pilotage: Super/Panamax-plus vessels pay $2,150; Neopanamax vessels pay $3,700[5].
  • Delays: $500 per pilot for delays related to port movement[5].
  • Channel Fees:
  • Small vessels: A flat fee of $75[5].
  • Larger vessels: $75 + ($0.03 × PC/UMS tonnage), capped at $300[5].

Special Considerations:

  • Empty vessels (non-container ships) pay 85% of full transit fees[1].
  • Intra Maritime Cluster (local port operations) operate under a distinct tariff structure[3].

A Word on Tariff Updates:

Tariffs are periodically reviewed, with the April 2025 documents reflecting the most current rates[3][5]. Despite political developments, such as recent U.S.-Panama tariff disputes, canal transit fees remain unaffected[2][4].

  1. What is the basis for the Panama Canal's tariff structure? It is built upon two main components, carefully calculated to ensure efficient operation and fairness.
  2. Who determines the fixed rates for vessels in the Panama Canal? The rates are determined by vessel size categories and locks utilized, such as Panamax, Neopanamax, and beyond, as well as the original Panamax locks vs. the expanded Neopanamax locks.
  3. Quijano was not able to recall the specific tariffs a vessel exceeding 39.5 ft draft or requiring Neopanamax locks would pay, but he explained that it would be Neopanamax tariffs.
  4. Operators of container ships pay capacity-based rates calculated per TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit), which encompasses both loaded and empty containers.
  5. General news outlets recently reported on the impact of war-and-conflicts, policy-and-legislation, and crime-and-justice on migration, yet the ongoing U.S.-Panama tariff disputes have had little effect on canal transit fees.
  6. The price of accidents, whether car-accidents, fires, or other unforeseen incidents, is not included in the Panama Canal's tariff structure.
  7. The tariff structure for local port operations, known as the Intra Maritime Cluster, operates under a distinct structure separate from the main tariff system.
Jorge Quijano refutes allegations concerning China's dominance over the Panama Canal, underscoring Panama's self-governance. He seeks to underscore the fair tolls implemented on the international waterway, which promote a lucrative global trade ecosystem.
Quijano rejects accusations of Chinese governance over the Panama Canal, reiterating Panamanian authority and underscoring fair tolls on the transoceanic waterway, contributing to international commerce.

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