A key milestone in the Panama Canal Expansion Program has
been reached with the installation of the 16th and final gate for the new locks
on the Pacific side of the Canal. The Panama Canal Authority said April 28
that the installation process began at noon Panama time on the south end of the
Canal’s Pacific locks, which connect directly to the ocean.
The final gate is one of the heaviest and weighs 4,232 tons,
or roughly 8.5 million pounds. It measures 57.6 meters (189 feet) wide by 10
meters (32.8 feet) long and 33 meters (108 feet) high, according to the Panama
Canal Authority.
“Today’s installation is a key milestone in the Expansion
Program and another important step forward for the Canal,” Administrator Jorge
L. Quijano said. “Once finished, the expanded waterway will provide new
possibilities for world maritime trade and further position the Canal as a
reliable route to the industry.”
The new gates, which were built in Italy, first arrived in
Panama in four staggered shipments starting in August of 2013. With the
installation of the final gate in the Pacific, another important stage begins
with the electro-mechanical work, which connects the gates with the other
structures in the new locks.
The installation of all eight gates on the Atlantic side of
the Panama Canal was completed on April 1, according to the Authority. With all
16 gates now installed, the next milestone for the expanded Canal will occur
when the lock chambers are flooded.