9,443-TEU Cosco ship makes first transit of expanded Panama Canal
THE inaugural transit of the Panama Canal Expansion began with the passage of the 9,443-TEU Cosco Shipping Panama from the Atlantic side Agua Clara Locks.
Originally named Andronikos, the vessel was renamed to honour and pay respect to the country of Panama and the canal.
The expansion included a new set of locks on the Atlantic and Pacific side of the waterway and the excavation of more than 150 million cubic metre of material to create a second lane and double the cargo capacity.
While the expanded locks are 70 feet wider and 18 feet deeper than those in the original canal, they use less water due to water-savings basins that recycle 60 per cent of the water used per transit.
Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela and Panama Canal Administrator and CEO Jorge Quijano honoured the almost 40,000 workers¡Xwho made the expansion a reality - with a message of pride, accomplishment, hope and opportunity.
"Our commitment to provide value to our customers remains paramount. In 2015, we broke our tonnage record with 340.8 million PC/UMS in the original canal," said Mr Quijano.
"Today, we make history and improve global connectivity. We thank our customers for their support and appreciate the 170 reservations we have received thus far to transit the expanded canal."
THE inaugural transit of the Panama Canal Expansion began with the passage of the 9,443-TEU Cosco Shipping Panama from the Atlantic side Agua Clara Locks.
Originally named Andronikos, the vessel was renamed to honour and pay respect to the country of Panama and the canal.
The expansion included a new set of locks on the Atlantic and Pacific side of the waterway and the excavation of more than 150 million cubic metre of material to create a second lane and double the cargo capacity.
While the expanded locks are 70 feet wider and 18 feet deeper than those in the original canal, they use less water due to water-savings basins that recycle 60 per cent of the water used per transit.
Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela and Panama Canal Administrator and CEO Jorge Quijano honoured the almost 40,000 workers¡Xwho made the expansion a reality - with a message of pride, accomplishment, hope and opportunity.
"Our commitment to provide value to our customers remains paramount. In 2015, we broke our tonnage record with 340.8 million PC/UMS in the original canal," said Mr Quijano.
"Today, we make history and improve global connectivity. We thank our customers for their support and appreciate the 170 reservations we have received thus far to transit the expanded canal."