
NEWSLETTER
www.lethagencies.com
YOUR PREFERRED AGENT IN MARITIME HOTSPOTS Nov 2025Issue 013
If you have questions about the statistics in this article or require further information, please reach out to our team at:
[email protected]
Welcome to this month’s update from LETH! As the maritime industry navigates new challenges, we’re here to keep you informed on
the latest developments and updates.
Featured This Month:
•Panama Canal Update•Middle East Update•Suez Canal Update
The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has issued Circular No. 5/2025,
announcing an update to the geographical coordinates of the Port
Said North area. This revision aims to enhance navigational accuracy
for all vessels transiting the Suez Canal. The updated coordinates will
be reflected in the newly issued Navigational Chart M24. Read more
here.
Navigational Update: Circular 5/2025
Average Weekly Suez Canal Transits: Week 1-44/2025
Source: Lloyds AIS, Observed Data
Suez Canal Per WeekTotalNorthboundSouthbound
Crude
Tanker
Product
Tanker
Dry BulkContainerLPG LNGChemicals
RoRo/
Vehicle
Carrier
Gen Cargo/
MPP
Other
Weekly Average Q3 25
(Week 40-44)
254.00124.80 129.20 70.20 1.60 72.4035.60 5.805.40 23.60 6.40 17.00 16.00
Weekly Average Q2 25
(Week 27-39)
+4.0 +0.7 +3.3 +3.0 -1.0 +4.5 +2.1 -0.2-2.6 +0.5 -0.5 -2.0+0.2
EGYPT
MIDDLE EAST UPDATE
Update from our analyst at Guardian
In Guardian, our Risk Advisory team closely monitors the Middle East developments to aid our clients with insights and operational
recommendations. On September 29, the Houthis attacked the Dutch ship Minervagracht in the Gulf of Aden, resulting in the death of one
crew member. In October, the Houthis’ attacks on vessels ceased, following the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Between
October 3 and 7, multiple vessels in the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf reported incidents of GNSS interference, affecting navigation systems
like GPS and AIS. According to UKMTO, this was a significant increase in reported interference compared to previous weeks. On October 28,
two Iranian dhows engaging in piracy were detected off the Somali coast in the Garacad area. One of the two dhows was apprehended,
while the other remains unaccounted for. On November 2, two incidents involving unusual dhow behaviour were observed in the waters
east of Mogadishu. The following day, November 3, an attempted unauthorised boarding by a small craft was reported in the same area. The
craft belonged to a larger mothership. Authorities are investigating the incidents..
In late September, the Houthis announced their intent to sanction major US oil exporters in the Red Sea, potentially striking their ships. This
statement comes despite a prior deal between the Houthis and the Trump administration, where the Houthis had agreed to refrain from
attacking US-linked ships sailing in the Red Sea and the wider Gulf of Aden. At the same time, the tentative ceasefire between Israel and
Hamas at the start of October has fuelled speculation that more ships might soon return to operate in the Red Sea. Yet, despite the ceasefire
formally remaining in place, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have continued amid Israeli government accusations that Hamas is violating its terms,
creating a volatile situation that could deteriorate at any moment.
"With over 26 years in ship agency and over 18 years at LETH, I have
gained extensive experience overseeing operations across Egypt, from
coordinating Suez Canal transits to managing port agency and
husbandry services at Egyptian ports. Despite the challenges around
the region, the Suez Canal remains fully operational and safe for
navigation. My deep understanding of the region, together with close
collaboration with the Suez Canal Authority, enables me to anticipate
potential issues and ensure safe, seamless passage for every vessel. For
our clients, this means reliable, proactive support and peace of mind
when navigating Egypt’s waters"
Proven Expertise, Reliable Support
Mohamed Marzouk
Operations Manager, LETH Egypt YOUR PREFERRED AGENT IN MARITIME HOTSPOTS
MaltaPanama SpainGibraltarDenmarkEgyptSingaporeTurkey
LETH NEWSLETTER Nov 2025
If you have questions about the statistics in this article or require further information, please reach out to our team at:
[email protected]
PANAMA
According to Advisories to Shipping No. 30-25 issued by the Panama Canal
Authority (ACP), The scheduled maintenance will not reduce the capacity
and will therefore have minimal impact on daily capacity and traffic.
Maintenance
LoTSA 2.0 Updates
The Panama Canal Authority has rolled out several updates to the
Long-Term Slot Allocation (LoTSA 2.0) programme. The terms and
procedures have been refined, offering clearer guidance on deferrals, date
changes, and the upcoming sealed-bid auctions across various market
segments. FlexSlot+ packages have also been clarified: full-container, LNG,
and LPG vessels are not eligible, and winners are advised to confirm and
update their contact information to ensure smooth communication.
Effective 1 Nov 2025, cancellation fees for LoTSA 2.0 slots will change,
with bookings cancelled 15 days or more in advance subject to an 80% fee,
while cancellations within 15 days remain at 100%, helping to improve
slot management and operational planning.
Advisory Updates
October’s Canal traffic remained steady, with Super and Regular slots broadly available throughout the month. Demand for Neopanamax
vessels dipped in both directions. Overall, the Canal operated near full capacity, averaging 33.6 transits per day out of a maximum of 36.
In the Regular segment, demand remained consistently low, similar to September, despite the limited daily availability of slots. During the
third booking period (auction), roughly 40% of Regular slots were sold, with the rest offered without any bidders. Bidding generally stayed
close to the starting price of USD 15,000.
For November, Super and Regular slots remain widely available. Neopanamax slots continue to see steady demand due to limited
availability, but with proper planning and advance booking, securing a transit remains manageable. We strongly encourage early planning
for your Panama Canal passages, and our team is ready to provide the guidance and support you need.
For Panamax-Super vessels, most slots were secured during the first and second booking periods, giving clients the flexibility to monitor
ETAs before committing. Demand was slightly lower compared with September, with the majority of slots taken before the close of each
period. Bidding generally stayed near the starting price of USD 55,000, with approximately 51.5% of auctions in this segment sold, while the
remaining slots went unbid.
The Neopanamax segment experienced lower demand in both directions compared with the previous month. Bidding generally averaged
around USD 200,000, with the highest bid reaching nearly USD 850,000. Overall, approximately 59% of auctions were successfully sold, while
the remaining slots offered without any bidders.
Key Canal Operations and Slot Insights
Disclaimer: The information in these graph/stats is derived from observed data and may not be entirely accurate. Pls consider it as general reference.
Segment Distributions
Super Neo-Panamax
Regular

NEWSLETTER
www.lethagencies.com
YOUR PREFERRED AGENT IN MARITIME HOTSPOTS Nov 2025Issue 013
If you have questions about the statistics in this article or require further information, please reach out to our team at:
[email protected]
Welcome to this month’s update from LETH! As the maritime industry navigates new challenges, we’re here to keep you informed on
the latest developments and updates.
Featured This Month:
•Panama Canal Update•Middle East Update•Suez Canal Update
The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has issued Circular No. 5/2025,
announcing an update to the geographical coordinates of the Port
Said North area. This revision aims to enhance navigational accuracy
for all vessels transiting the Suez Canal. The updated coordinates will
be reflected in the newly issued Navigational Chart M24. Read more
here.
Navigational Update: Circular 5/2025
Average Weekly Suez Canal Transits: Week 1-44/2025
Source: Lloyds AIS, Observed Data
Suez Canal Per WeekTotalNorthboundSouthbound
Crude
Tanker
Product
Tanker
Dry BulkContainerLPG LNGChemicals
RoRo/
Vehicle
Carrier
Gen Cargo/
MPP
Other
Weekly Average Q3 25
(Week 40-44)
254.00124.80 129.20 70.20 1.60 72.4035.60 5.805.40 23.60 6.40 17.00 16.00
Weekly Average Q2 25
(Week 27-39)
+4.0 +0.7 +3.3 +3.0 -1.0 +4.5 +2.1 -0.2-2.6 +0.5 -0.5 -2.0+0.2
EGYPT
MIDDLE EAST UPDATE
Update from our analyst at Guardian
In Guardian, our Risk Advisory team closely monitors the Middle East developments to aid our clients with insights and operational
recommendations. On September 29, the Houthis attacked the Dutch ship Minervagracht in the Gulf of Aden, resulting in the death of one
crew member. In October, the Houthis’ attacks on vessels ceased, following the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Between
October 3 and 7, multiple vessels in the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf reported incidents of GNSS interference, affecting navigation systems
like GPS and AIS. According to UKMTO, this was a significant increase in reported interference compared to previous weeks. On October 28,
two Iranian dhows engaging in piracy were detected off the Somali coast in the Garacad area. One of the two dhows was apprehended,
while the other remains unaccounted for. On November 2, two incidents involving unusual dhow behaviour were observed in the waters
east of Mogadishu. The following day, November 3, an attempted unauthorised boarding by a small craft was reported in the same area. The
craft belonged to a larger mothership. Authorities are investigating the incidents..
In late September, the Houthis announced their intent to sanction major US oil exporters in the Red Sea, potentially striking their ships. This
statement comes despite a prior deal between the Houthis and the Trump administration, where the Houthis had agreed to refrain from
attacking US-linked ships sailing in the Red Sea and the wider Gulf of Aden. At the same time, the tentative ceasefire between Israel and
Hamas at the start of October has fuelled speculation that more ships might soon return to operate in the Red Sea. Yet, despite the ceasefire
formally remaining in place, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have continued amid Israeli government accusations that Hamas is violating its terms,
creating a volatile situation that could deteriorate at any moment.
"With over 26 years in ship agency and over 18 years at LETH, I have
gained extensive experience overseeing operations across Egypt, from
coordinating Suez Canal transits to managing port agency and
husbandry services at Egyptian ports. Despite the challenges around
the region, the Suez Canal remains fully operational and safe for
navigation. My deep understanding of the region, together with close
collaboration with the Suez Canal Authority, enables me to anticipate
potential issues and ensure safe, seamless passage for every vessel. For
our clients, this means reliable, proactive support and peace of mind
when navigating Egypt’s waters"
Proven Expertise, Reliable Support
Mohamed Marzouk
Operations Manager, LETH Egypt YOUR PREFERRED AGENT IN MARITIME HOTSPOTS
MaltaPanama SpainGibraltarDenmarkEgyptSingaporeTurkey
LETH NEWSLETTER Nov 2025
If you have questions about the statistics in this article or require further information, please reach out to our team at:
[email protected]
PANAMA
According to Advisories to Shipping No. 30-25 issued by the Panama Canal
Authority (ACP), The scheduled maintenance will not reduce the capacity
and will therefore have minimal impact on daily capacity and traffic.
Maintenance
LoTSA 2.0 Updates
The Panama Canal Authority has rolled out several updates to the
Long-Term Slot Allocation (LoTSA 2.0) programme. The terms and
procedures have been refined, offering clearer guidance on deferrals, date
changes, and the upcoming sealed-bid auctions across various market
segments. FlexSlot+ packages have also been clarified: full-container, LNG,
and LPG vessels are not eligible, and winners are advised to confirm and
update their contact information to ensure smooth communication.
Effective 1 Nov 2025, cancellation fees for LoTSA 2.0 slots will change,
with bookings cancelled 15 days or more in advance subject to an 80% fee,
while cancellations within 15 days remain at 100%, helping to improve
slot management and operational planning.
Advisory Updates
October’s Canal traffic remained steady, with Super and Regular slots broadly available throughout the month. Demand for Neopanamax
vessels dipped in both directions. Overall, the Canal operated near full capacity, averaging 33.6 transits per day out of a maximum of 36.
In the Regular segment, demand remained consistently low, similar to September, despite the limited daily availability of slots. During the
third booking period (auction), roughly 40% of Regular slots were sold, with the rest offered without any bidders. Bidding generally stayed
close to the starting price of USD 15,000.
For November, Super and Regular slots remain widely available. Neopanamax slots continue to see steady demand due to limited
availability, but with proper planning and advance booking, securing a transit remains manageable. We strongly encourage early planning
for your Panama Canal passages, and our team is ready to provide the guidance and support you need.
For Panamax-Super vessels, most slots were secured during the first and second booking periods, giving clients the flexibility to monitor
ETAs before committing. Demand was slightly lower compared with September, with the majority of slots taken before the close of each
period. Bidding generally stayed near the starting price of USD 55,000, with approximately 51.5% of auctions in this segment sold, while the
remaining slots went unbid.
The Neopanamax segment experienced lower demand in both directions compared with the previous month. Bidding generally averaged
around USD 200,000, with the highest bid reaching nearly USD 850,000. Overall, approximately 59% of auctions were successfully sold, while
the remaining slots offered without any bidders.
Key Canal Operations and Slot Insights
Disclaimer: The information in these graph/stats is derived from observed data and may not be entirely accurate. Pls consider it as general reference.
Segment Distributions
Super Neo-Panamax
Regular

YOUR PREFERRED AGENT IN MARITIME HOTSPOTS
MaltaPanama SpainGibraltarDenmarkEgyptSingaporeTurkey
LETH NEWSLETTER Nov 2025
If you have questions about the statistics in this article or require further information, please reach out to our team at:
[email protected]
PANAMA
According to Advisories to Shipping No. 30-25 issued by the Panama Canal
Authority (ACP), The scheduled maintenance will not reduce the capacity
and will therefore have minimal impact on daily capacity and traffic.
Maintenance
LoTSA 2.0 Updates
The Panama Canal Authority has rolled out several updates to the
Long-Term Slot Allocation (LoTSA 2.0) programme. The terms and
procedures have been refined, offering clearer guidance on deferrals, date
changes, and the upcoming sealed-bid auctions across various market
segments. FlexSlot+ packages have also been clarified: full-container, LNG,
and LPG vessels are not eligible, and winners are advised to confirm and
update their contact information to ensure smooth communication.
Effective 1 Nov 2025, cancellation fees for LoTSA 2.0 slots will change,
with bookings cancelled 15 days or more in advance subject to an 80% fee,
while cancellations within 15 days remain at 100%, helping to improve
slot management and operational planning.
Advisory Updates
October’s Canal traffic remained steady, with Super and Regular slots broadly available throughout the month. Demand for Neopanamax
vessels dipped in both directions. Overall, the Canal operated near full capacity, averaging 33.6 transits per day out of a maximum of 36.
In the Regular segment, demand remained consistently low, similar to September, despite the limited daily availability of slots. During the
third booking period (auction), roughly 40% of Regular slots were sold, with the rest offered without any bidders. Bidding generally stayed
close to the starting price of USD 15,000.
For November, Super and Regular slots remain widely available. Neopanamax slots continue to see steady demand due to limited
availability, but with proper planning and advance booking, securing a transit remains manageable. We strongly encourage early planning
for your Panama Canal passages, and our team is ready to provide the guidance and support you need.
For Panamax-Super vessels, most slots were secured during the first and second booking periods, giving clients the flexibility to monitor
ETAs before committing. Demand was slightly lower compared with September, with the majority of slots taken before the close of each
period. Bidding generally stayed near the starting price of USD 55,000, with approximately 51.5% of auctions in this segment sold, while the
remaining slots went unbid.
The Neopanamax segment experienced lower demand in both directions compared with the previous month. Bidding generally averaged
around USD 200,000, with the highest bid reaching nearly USD 850,000. Overall, approximately 59% of auctions were successfully sold, while
the remaining slots offered without any bidders.
Key Canal Operations and Slot Insights
Disclaimer: The information in these graph/stats is derived from observed data and may not be entirely accurate. Pls consider it as general reference.
Segment Distributions
Super Neo-Panamax
Regular