New panama canal
You're referring to the expansion of the Panama Canal!
The Panama Canal Expansion Program, also known as the Third Set of Locks Project, was a major infrastructure project that increased the canal's capacity and allowed it to accommodate larger, Neopanamax ships. The project was completed in 2016 and officially opened on June 26, 2016.
Here are some key facts about the new Panama Canal:
- Larger locks: The new locks are 50% wider and 26% deeper than the original locks, allowing Neopanamax ships to pass through. The new locks are 180 feet (55 meters) wide and 50 feet (15 meters) deep.
- Increased capacity: The expanded canal can now handle ships with a maximum size of 1,200 feet (366 meters) in length, 160 feet (49 meters) in width, and 50 feet (15 meters) in draft.
- New shipping lanes: The expanded canal includes two new shipping lanes: the Neopanamax Lane and the Panamax Lane. The Neopanamax Lane is designed for larger ships, while the Panamax Lane is for smaller ships.
- Improved navigation: The new locks feature advanced navigation systems, including GPS and radar, to improve safety and efficiency.
- Environmental benefits: The expanded canal includes new environmental features, such as a new water treatment plant and a system to reduce water loss during transit.
- Economic benefits: The expanded canal is expected to generate significant economic benefits, including increased trade and revenue for Panama and the surrounding region.
Some interesting statistics about the new Panama Canal:
- The expanded canal can now handle up to 14.5 million containers per year, up from 9.5 million containers per year before the expansion.
- The new locks can accommodate up to 17,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) per ship, compared to 4,000 TEUs for the original locks.
- The expanded canal has reduced transit times for ships by up to 10 hours, making it a more efficient and competitive route for international trade.
Overall, the Panama Canal expansion has been a significant achievement, enabling the canal to remain a vital artery for global trade and commerce.