# Canal fee for Panama Canal

*Last updated: 2026-06-18*

> Every vessel transiting the Panama Canal pays a toll to the Panama Canal Authority (ACP), calculated on the basis of vessel type, gross tonnage, and cargo type.

Every vessel transiting the Panama Canal pays a toll to the Panama Canal Authority (ACP), calculated on the basis of vessel type, gross tonnage, and cargo type. Neopanamax container ships face substantially higher charges than smaller vessels – a single transit can run into several hundred thousand US dollars. Carriers pass these costs directly into freight rates, making them an invisible but tangible component of the ocean freight price on transpacific and transatlantic lanes. When tolls spike or lock capacity is constrained – for example due to drought-related water restrictions – some carriers shift to alternative routings via Cape Horn or the Suez Canal, adding considerable sailing time.

**Source:** [https://www.pancanal.com](https://www.pancanal.com)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Canal fee for Panama Canal |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 108 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-18 |
| Source | https://www.pancanal.com |

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