How Much Does It Cost a Cruise Ship to Go Through the Panama Canal?

By Alice Nichols

So, you’re curious about the cost for a cruise ship to go through the Panama Canal? It’s an interesting question, and it’s one that requires a bit of explanation. The cost of transit through the Panama Canal is based on several different factors, including the size of the vessel, its cargo capacity, and whether it is carrying passengers or freight.

Toll Structure

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has established a toll structure based on a vessel’s tonnage. This includes vessels over 125 feet in length and 5 feet in depth.

The ACP charges per net ton of cargo carried by each vessel. For example, if a vessel carries 5,000 tons of cargo, then the ACP would charge $20 per net ton or $100,000 in total tolls.

Size Matters

The size of a vessel also has an impact on its toll rate. Larger vessels pay more than smaller ones because they take up more space in the canal and require more resources for safe passage.

For instance, larger cruise ships may have to be divided into multiple groups for transit through some locks due to their size and draft. This requires additional personnel and equipment to ensure safe passage through the canal.

Freight vs Passengers

Finally, freight ships generally pay more than passenger ships because they are carrying much heavier loads which require more resources for transit through the canal. Freight vessels must also adhere to strict safety regulations which add additional costs associated with transiting through the canal.

Conclusion

The cost of transiting through the Panama Canal depends on several factors such as size, cargo capacity, and whether it is carrying passengers or freight. A larger vessel will pay more due to its size, while freight ships will pay more due to their heavier loads and safety regulations that must be followed during transit. Ultimately, there is no single fee for passage but rather a range depending on all these different factors combined