Update on new positioning system requirement

27 Sep 2023 / Panama Canal, Panama

From 1 October, all vessels with a beam of 109 feet or more transiting the Panama Canal will be required to have a fixed (non-portable) piloting unit with Real Time Kinematics (RTK) for submeter accuracy.

If requirements are not met, a portable piloting unit with Real Time Kinematics (PPU-RTK) will be temporarily installed in the vessel, at an additional cost (starting 1 January 2024).

Upon arrival it must be reported that the vessel does not have the required RTK system installed. The boarding officer will proceed with the installation, during the inspection.

From 1 January 2024, the rental charge for portable unit (CAT/AIS – RTK) will be as follows:

  • Rental fee for PPU-RTK portable unit, per transit or per day; for the first transit for all vessels with a beam ≥ 33.22 meters or 109 feet in the neopanamax locks, without antenna
    - $5,000.00

  • Rental fee for PPU-RTK portable unit, per transit or per day; for the second transit for all vessels with a beam ≥ 33.22 meters or 109 feet in the neopanamax locks, without antenna
    - $5,000.00 + 100% surcharge

  • Rental fee for PPU-RTK portable unit, per transit or per day; beyond the third transit for all vessels with a beam ≥ 33.22 meters or 109 feet in the neopanamax locks, without antenna
    - $5,000.00 + Disruption charge low impact $65,000.00

For approved maritime services tariffs, see https://pancanal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ADV34-2023-New-structure-of-Maritime-Services-tariffs-related-and-complementary.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and for the list of evaluated and approved equipment can be found at https://pancanal.com/en/maritime-services/non-portable-piloting-unit/

For further details and information about operations in the Panama Canal, contact GAC Panama at [email protected]

If quoting any content from Hot Port News, please cite GAC Hot Port News as the source.

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