Changes to the OC1 service: Panama Canal

We are writing regarding our earlier customer advisory on changes to our OC1 service via the Panama Canal. This updated advisory aims to clarify our new product, as we continue to review our network to ensure stability to our customers’ supply chain.

Based on current and projected water levels in Gatun Lake, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) is implementing changes to the booking process to control the passages through the Panama Canal. Following a review of our OC1 service connecting the trade route between Oceania and Americas, we have made the decision to utilise the Panama Canal Railway to safeguard our customers’ supply chains. This decision follows evaluation of the current schedule impact from the delays at the Australian East Coast ports coupled with the modifications to the booking process of the Panama Canal.

OC1 Service to use Panama Canal Railway

The vessels that utilised the Panama Canal before, will now use the existing Panama Canal Railway to transport containers across Panama. The usage of the Panama Canal Railway is already a standard product for several other connecting services today, and we have confidence that OC1 cargo will continue to move seamlessly through Panama.

How this will impact your cargo moves

This service change is implemented to safeguard your supply chain. We understand that any delays to your cargo movements can impact your overall supply chain, and we are doing our utmost to take proactive action in our product design to minimise supply chain disruption.

Omittance on OC1 route:

To ensure cargo moves on time to current berthing windows in North America, the OC1 service will stop calling Cartagena, on the OC1 Northbound rotation. Customers with cargo to route through Cartagena will be served through alternate networks.

Our direct service from the US West Coast to Oceania (PANZ) is still operating weekly and can be utilized as an alternative to cargo commonly routed via the US East Coast.

We are working diligently to minimize any impacts on your supply chain, and we remain in close contact with the Panama Canal Authority to ensure that we can give you timely updates.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to your local Maersk teams, who can help advise on modified routes, delays, and solutions, regarding the Panama Canal.