The container vessel COSCO Shipping Panama is now on its way to Panama to make history – the inaugural transit of the Expanded Panama Canal on Sunday, June 26.
During the inauguration, COSCO Shipping Panama will transit Agua Clara Locks on the Atlantic side during the early morning and Cocoli Locks in the afternoon.
The regular schedule of transits through the Expanded Canal will follow the next day, June 27.
Panama Canal Administrator Jorge L. Quijano met with COSCO Shipping Panama’s Captain Jude Rodrigues and crew members prior to the ship’s departure two days ago.
The Panama Canal Expansion Program is the largest construction project undertaken in the waterway since its opening in 1914.
Considered and analyzed for a decade with more than 100 studies, construction on the first-ever expansion began in 2007 to provide the world with greater shipping options, better maritime service, enhanced logistics and supply-chain reliability.
The project doubles the waterway’s cargo capacity, enhancing the Canal’s efficiency, reliability and customer service. Since Neopanamax vessels can now take advantage of the Canal’s vast benefits, new routes, liner services and other maritime changes are expected to emerge.
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