Panama Canal increases number of booking slots
The Panama Canal Authority said Thursday it will increase the number of booking reservation slots available in 2006.
The canal authority said it would add two booking slots a day for 'supers,' or vessels with widths of 91 feet or more. The booking slots were added in response to greater demand for the canal, and to satisfy customer requests for increased availability.
Applications to transit using the additional slots can be submitted starting Sunday, December 29 for transits starting January 1.
More than 50 percent of canal transits are reserved through bookings. Canal officials said use of the booking system is an increasing trend for transits.