Panama City, Panama, February 4, 2016 – The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) announces that sill reinforcements in the new locks have been completed this week, bringing the Panama Canal Expansion one step closer to inauguration.
The filling of the Pacific-facing Cocoli Locks has already begun, and the filling of the Atlantic-facing Agua Clara Locks began today.
The Panama Canal is building the expanded Canal for the long haul, which is why quality and testing are critical. 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 Panama Canal Administrator and CEO, Jorge L. 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.”
Less than four percent remains to complete the Panama Canal Expansion Program, which is expected to be inaugurated in the second quarter of 2016. The ACP will continue to provide updates on the project as more progress and information are made available.
About the Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is run by an autonomous agency of the Government of Panama in charge of managing, operating and maintaining the Panama Canal. The operation of the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) is based on its organic law and the regulations approved by its Board of Directors. For more information, please refer to the ACP’s website: http://www.pancanal.com or follow us on Twitter @thepanamacanal.
