THE Panama Canal expansion project has moved another step closer to inauguration now that the sill reinforcements in the new locks have been completed, and less than four per cent of the expansion works remains to be tackled.
The filling of the Pacific-facing Cocoli Locks and the filling of the Atlantic-facing Agua Clara Locks is also underway, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) announced in a statement.
Once the locks are filled, the sills will undergo a rigorous testing process to ensure their integrity and proper function.
"Every day, we move closer to completion," said ACP CEO Jorge Quijano. "But the key for us, as it has always been, is to do so in a way that maintains the highest standards are met, ensuring canal operations for the next 101 years and more."
The expanded canal system is scheduled to open to traffic in the second quarter of this year.
The filling of the Pacific-facing Cocoli Locks and the filling of the Atlantic-facing Agua Clara Locks is also underway, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) announced in a statement.
Once the locks are filled, the sills will undergo a rigorous testing process to ensure their integrity and proper function.
"Every day, we move closer to completion," said ACP CEO Jorge Quijano. "But the key for us, as it has always been, is to do so in a way that maintains the highest standards are met, ensuring canal operations for the next 101 years and more."
The expanded canal system is scheduled to open to traffic in the second quarter of this year.