AmericasPorts and Logistics

Opening of expanded Panama Canal confirmed for April next year

Photo of Sam Chambers Sam ChambersOctober 26, 2015
7 Less than a minute

Despite plenty of exasperating delays from contractors – the latest being leaking locks – the expanded Panama Canal will open for business in April as planned.

The nation’s foreign ministry is now sending out official invitations to some 70 heads of state for the opening ceremony. The new locks in place will allow ships of up to 14,000 teu to transit the waterway.

Originally planned to open in 2014, the $5.25bn expansion project has been hit by a number of cost overruns and delays. The latest scare happened in mid-August when a crack emerged on one of the new giant locks.

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Photo of Sam Chambers Sam ChambersOctober 26, 2015
7 Less than a minute
Photo of Sam Chambers

Sam Chambers

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.
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