Countdown Begins for Expanded Panama Canal opening
History will be made in Panama on Sunday, June 26, when the first-ever Expanded Panama Canal is inaugurated. The COSCO Shipping Panama will transit through the new locks on this significant day, with the world as its audience.
The Panama Canal Expansion project 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 (shippers, retailers, manufacturers, consumers) with greater shipping options, better maritime service, enhanced logistics and supply-chain reliability.
Agua Clara Locks (Atlantic side) – 8 AM EST
The events begin early in the morning on the Atlantic side with a ceremony at the new Agua Clara Locks where the COSCO Shipping Panama vessel will transit. Colon Province local authorities, Panama Canal employees and the general public will be in attendance. The event will honor those who have contributed to the Expansion’s construction. The afternoon’s event at the Cocoli Locks is the official inauguration event.
Cocoli Locks (Pacific side) – 4 PM EST
In the afternoon, the first commercial Neopanamax vessel will transit the Cocoli Locks on the Pacific side, where the official inaugural ceremony will be held, hosted by His Excellency Juan Carlos Varela Rodriguez, President of the Republic of Panama, and accompanied by distinguished heads of state, government officials, customers, special guests, members of the media and the general public.