Panama Canal Expansion is going through a very important phase – the initial filling of the lower chamber of Agua Clara locks in the Atlantic just began. And so, the mega-project gets closer to its completion and has just surpassed its most complicated part – construction of locks.
Gradual filling of the chambers will allow continuing with the electromechanical testing which began earlier in 2014, as the new gates of the locks were installed, mentioned Roberto Roy, Minister of Canal Affairs. Also he drew attention to the fact that progress at the project has reached 90%.
According to Giuseppe Quarta, the CEO of the Grupo Unidos consortium, which is responsible for the construction of expanded route, the filling of each chamber of the locks can take up to four months. Similar process for the Pacific side of locks will begin in the end of July, but contrary to the Atlantic side will be made by pumping the water, rather than just letting it flow.
The commercial operations are planned to commence from April 1, 2016 if nothing stands on its way.
Expectations
This is not a secret that Panamanian government has high expectations of the Canal Expansion. By all predictions, its opening has to increase movement in major economic sectors.
Marcos Tellez, the president of the FTA Associations, says the Canal Expansion will facilitate the movement of the products and bring bigger ships.
Also it is expected that the new route will reduce the cost of the freight, so at this point the difference has to be seen on the international level, as products coming through the Canal will become more competitive.
Meanwhile, the president of the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama, Carlos Fernandez, also mentions that the mega-project will open business opportunities and generate many job positions.
Despite the previous problems as the delays and claims, as well as following change of the inital agreement with consortium, at this moment everyone seems to be satisfied.
After the ultimate agreement was made, the works have speeded up. For instance, the filling of chambers began 15 days earlier ahead of the schedule. GUPC has met every last milestone and so far they are demonstrating the ability and determination to complete everything on time.
For many workers and their leaders this project represents the work of their life. Five years of efforts will come to its conclusion with the passing of the first ship next year.
