Shipowners group the International Chamber of Shipping pushes the Panama Canal Authority to delay planned toll hikes, saying costs may be 30% higher under the combined water-saving measures

A $10,000 charge for any vessel more than 125 ft long traversing the canal applies from Saturday, as the authority seeks to limit traffic following low rainfall

THE International Chamber of Shipping has urged the Panama Canal Authority to delay planned toll hikes aimed at limiting traffic through the canal, claiming costs to shippers could rise by 30%.

A $10,000 “freshwater surcharge” for any vessel more than 125 ft long applies from February 15 alongside a variable surcharge, to be based on the level of Gatun Lake at the time of transit. Other rates are set to rise from April 1 and the number of slots will be cut from 32 to 27 because of water-saving measures.

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