In order to evaluate the operational feasibility of the service, a proof-of-concept trial was developed and has been implemented since February 2013, said the ACP in a statement.
This service will allow the vessels to arrive at the Panama Canal much closer to their scheduled transit time. This value-added service will allow vessels to have a more efficient fuel usage by having to remain at anchor for less time before actually beginning transit. "This new service is part of our efforts to explore new options,” said ACP Administrator Jorge L. Quijano.
The participation on this trial period will focus on vessels equipped with a type A Automatic Identification System (AIS) device. Vessels’ arrival time (ETA) must be as accurate as possible. The vessel must be willing and able to adjust its itinerary to meet the required ETA. Furthermore, the vessels must comply with the ACP pre-inspection procedures. To achieve an effective level of just-in-time service, selected vessels will be notified approximately 96 hours prior to their scheduled transit of their required ETA and tentative transit time.
The Panama Canal will then use Satellite Automatic Identification System (SAIS) technology to track the vessels within a range of 2,000 nm before arrival and ensure that they can comply with the stipulated ETA.
Non-booked vessels may request to participate in the JIT service; however, participation will be confirmed after securing a booking slot for that specific transit date. If the booking slot is not obtained, the vessel will not be allowed to participate in the JIT service. Two JIT service slots per day will be offered to regular vessels (under 27.74 m in beam) without transit restrictions, with a maximum of one JIT service slot per direction. The allocation of these JIT service slots will be determined by the order the requests were received.
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