Panama Canal: Plug Blasting Underway

The Panama Canal is now 96 percent complete with the removal of the northern plug separating the new Pacific Access Channel from the Culebra Cut

The blasting of the plug began on December 24. Located south of the Centennial Bridge on the Pacific side of the canal, the plug separated Gatun Lake and the 63 kilometer Pacific Access Channel.

Dredging will begin once blasting is complete, leaving one last temporary plug separating the Pacific Access Channel and the Pacific-facing Cocoli Locks.

Tonnage Record

2015 was an historic year for the Panama Canal Authority (ACP). In 2015, the Canal transited the most tonnage in its 101-year history. Specifically, 340.8 million Panama Canal tons (PC/UMS) of cargo moved through the waterway, representing a 4.3 percent year-on-year increase from 2014 and setting a cargo tonnage record. 

Restructuring Tolls 

Early in 2015, the ACP proposed a new tolls structure. The approval from the Panama Canal’s Board of Directors followed more than a year of consultations with industry representatives, an open call for comments, and a public hearing to solicit feedback on the proposed changes. The restructured tolls, which will feature a customer loyalty program for the container segment, will go into effect on April 1, 2016. 

Building Bridges
 
The ACP marked another milestone this year when it broke ground to build a third bridge that spans the Canal. Work on the infrastructure project is progressing smoothly towards its anticipated completion in 2017. Once opened, it will connect the city of Colon and communities west of the Canal, linking the two regions, generating development, stimulating local economies and boosting tourism. 

Source: The Maritime Executive

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