The new locks, which are 70 feet wider and 18 feet deeper than those in the original canal, are able to accommodate 13,000 to 14,000 TEU ships.
The vessel began its transit at the Pacific-facing Cocoli Locks following calls at ports in Chile, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. After completing its transit through the Atlantic-facing Agua Clara Locks, the ship stopped at Manzanillo International Terminal in Panama and then continued its route to terminals in the Dominican Republic, the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, France and the Netherlands.
The Valparaiso Express is part of Hapag-Lloyd's Europe ?South America west coast service, which covers a nine-week rotation, merging two previous services between Northern Europe and the West Coast of South America.
The vessel was constructed with an environmentally friendly landside shore connection, which allows the auxiliary diesels on board to be switched off while in port.
In addition, the vessel features a fuel-efficient 46,530-horsepower main engine with an emissions-reducing valve control, and ballast water treatment units on board in accordance with the new International Ballast Water Management Convention, which purify the ship's ballast water without the use of harmful chemicals.
Moreover, the technical specifications of this new ship will help reduce large quantities of sulfur oxide (SOx) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.
By using the Panama Canal, the Valparaiso Express reduces more than 8,500 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions on its round trip voyage compared to other conventional routes that the vessel would have to use without the expanded Locks, making the Panama Canal the most environmentally friendly route.
In recognition of its substantial emissions reductions, the Panama Canal awarded the vessel with its newly established Green Connection Award, an initiative created to recognise Canal customers who demonstrate excellent environmental stewardship, and to encourage others to implement technologies and meet standards that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.