Panama Canal Authority Rejects U.S. Government's Claim of Toll Exemption for U.S. Government-Owned Vessels

Panama Canal rejects U.S. toll exemption for government vessels, affirms operational independence / AFP

The Panama Canal Authority issued a statement rejecting the U.S. Department of State's recent announcement that U.S. government-owned vessels would no longer be required to pay tolls when transiting the Panama Canal. The canal authority clarified that no changes would be made to the tolls or the passage rights for vessels using the waterway, which remains under their control.

The U.S. Department of State had earlier declared that it reached an agreement with the Panamanian government to waive toll fees for U.S. government-owned vessels. This announcement was part of an effort to reduce costs for U.S. government operations, which often involve multiple vessels passing through the Panama Canal annually. The U.S. government indicated that this exemption would save them millions of dollars each year.

However, the Panama Canal Authority swiftly countered this statement, asserting that it would continue its established policies regarding tolls. In its own official statement, the authority emphasized that it is operated responsibly and that any changes concerning wartime vessels could only be addressed through bilateral talks with the U.S. government. Wartime vessels include not only military ships but also vessels used for transporting military supplies, troops, and other essential goods.

This response reflects the Panama Canal Authority’s commitment to maintaining its operational independence while still being open to further dialogue with the United States on matters relating to wartime vessel transit. The authority stressed that it would maintain its current policy regarding tolls for all vessels, irrespective of their ownership or military status.

The disagreement comes amid ongoing tensions between Panama and the United States regarding control and usage of the canal, which has been a critical international shipping route since its opening in 1914. While Panama continues to manage the canal under its sovereignty, the U.S. has long held a strategic interest in its operations, especially with regards to military and commercial transit.

As the dispute unfolds, it is clear that Panama intends to assert its authority over the canal while balancing its relationship with the U.S. government, which remains one of its largest and most influential partners. The decision to reject the toll exemption could be seen as a statement of independence by the Panama Canal Authority, signaling its intent to maintain equal treatment for all ships regardless of their national affiliation or ownership.