The system of collecting toll from ships in the Panama Canal has proven its effectiveness for 25 years of work, and there is no point in changing it now, Boris Moreno, vice president for operations at the Panama Canal, told Sputnik.
“We see no need in changing the system because it has been working well for 25 years,” Moreno said.
The system of setting a price for passing through the canal based on a vessel’s load capacities is confirmed by its authorities and the Panamanian government after a public hearing, he said, adding that all potential clients may attend the hearing and express their worries and disagreements, which “are being taken into account.”
Only two countries have the benefit of free transit through the Panama Canal. Apart from the US, Colombian military vessels also have a right of free passage, the executive also said, adding that “apart from those two exemptions, all countries pay the same.”
