DURING the testing phase of the new Pacific locks for the Panama Canal seepage in a section that separates the middle chamber and lower chamber was detected.
Upon evaluating the full report's findings, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) will assess whether the planned 2016 opening of the third set of locks will be delayed.
The lock was being stressed tested through exposure to "level differentials much higher than those required for normal operations?
Nonetheless, ACP warned in a statement that the water seepage "may occur during dry-chamber maintenance works in the future?
The ACP said it is now awaiting a formal report from the Spanish-led consortium responsible for the expansion works, Grupo Unidos por el Canal (GUPC), following detailed inspections.
The report, will be inclusive of the root cause analysis conducted, as well as the recommended repair method.
The ACP has also designated two independent external structural engineers to conduct an evaluation of the reasons for the water seepage and to assess the validity of GUPC's solution.
"Parallel work presses ahead with testing in other areas; the removal of the strip of land, known as a ‘plug' separating the new Cocoli Locks from the Pacific Ocean, and the culmination of the Pacific Access Channel work.
"Likewise last week the removal of the dike or plug that separates the Atlantic Ocean waters from the new Atlantic Lock was initiated and progresses at a good pace,?the release said.
"GUPC has the obligation to ensure the long-term performance on all aspects of the construction of the locks and to correct this deficiency. Moreover, GUPC's contract with the ACP dictates that the group is responsible for modifications and corrections that may be required.?
GUPC won a US$234 million settlement in a row over cost overruns in the construction of the third set of locks, after the Dispute Adjudication Board (DAB) ruled in favour of GUPC in two major claims filed by GUPC related to poor quality basalt, the main material for the production of concrete in the project, and the delay attributed to ACP in approving the concrete mixture used in the work.
The DAB resolution established that ACP pay the sum and extend the contract period for six months, GUPC said. The amount is part of a US$463 million claim, reported World Maritime News online. The consortium has made a series of claims reaching up to US$2.3 billion over the expansion work issues.
WORLD SHIPPING
08 September 2015 - 20:35
Panama to assess if seepage will delay opening of expanded canal
DURING the testing phase of the new Pacific locks for the Panama Canal seepage in a section that separates the middle chamber and lower chamber was detected.
WORLD SHIPPING
08 September 2015 - 20:35
Panama to assess if seepage will delay opening of expanded canal
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