Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the current toll paid for transiting the Canal?

Details at http://www.pancanal.com/eng/maritime/tolls.html.

How many times have the tolls been increased?

As of July 1, 2003, there have been 10 toll increases:

  • July 8, 1974 – 19.7%
  • November 18, 1976 – 19.5%
  • October 1, 1979 – 29.3%
  • March 12, 1983 – 9.8%
  • October 1, 1989 – 9.8%
  • October 1, 1992 – 9.9%
  • January 1, 1997 – 8.2%
  • January 1, 1998 – 7.5%
  • October 1, 2002 – 8%
  • July 1, 2003 – 4.5%
  • May 1, 2005, May 1, 2006 and May 1, 2007 – Adjustment per TEU

The following increases have been approved:

  • 2007 - 5.7% average (with implementation dates on July 1, 2007 and October 1, 2007)
  • 2008 - 14.2% average (with implementation dates on May 1, 2008 and October 1, 2008)
  • 2009 - 10.1% average (with implementation dates on May 1, 2009 and October 1, 2009)
What is the lowest toll paid to date?

The lowest tolls to date were paid by Richard Halliburton, who swam the Panama Canal in 1928.  Halliburton paid only 36 cents.

Which vessel made the fastest transit through the Panama Canal?

The fastest transit was made by the U.S. Navy hydrofoil Pegasus, which crossed the Canal from Miraflores to Gatun in 2 hours 41 minutes in June 1979.

How many vessels have transited the Canal since its inauguration?
At the end of fiscal year 2006, 943,042 vessels had used the waterway since its opening on August 15, 1914.,