With 20 months late and cost overruns in the construction of the third set of locks in excess of 180 million dollars, the Panama Canal administration estimated that the opening of the expansion project could be at the end of June this year.
Tests for the reinforcement of the hinges of the locks where the leaks occurred last August meet the required specifications, began last week, and as had advanced, they are essential to announce an exact date opening.
In tests he participated the team of independent consultants, who expressed satisfaction with the conclusion of the work done in the hinges of the new locks.
In addition, tests of the water basins are also performed and then the acceptance tests of the work will begin.
The administrator of the track also agreed that the work has a higher cost of approximately 5,430 million, ie $ 180 million more than the contract, which was $ 5,250 million.
He said the claims of the contractor Grupo Unidos por el Canal (GUPC) have raised the cost of the work.
However, the canal authority will need to assess whether to pursue complaints about lost profits of $ 450 million, which is not within the contract, but that could be recovered to pay any interest.
The news of the possible opening of the work in June was well received by the maritime industry, mainly by shipping.
The president of the National Council of Private Enterprise (CONEP) and representative of the shipping industry, Julio De La Lastra, said he was satisfied with the possible of a soon opening of the expanded Canal.
De La Lastra said that the date announced by the Canal Administrator does not differ from the expected representatives of the shipping industry.
He added that the important thing right now is to close ranks to complete the work to definitely later than the second half, including running for shipping concerned.
He described as prudent management of ACP to report dates, however, expected to be announced fully enforceable, knowing it's the last.
"After delays, it is important for the industry that will reach a successful conclusion and that the second half of the channel is operational benefit to the maritime industry and the country in general," he said.
Meanwhile, Rommel Troetsch, president of the Panama Chamber of Shipping said that this announcement gives certainty to the carriers so they can plan what size boat started and profit derived from transit for larger ships.
The Panama Canal Authority holds for the second quarter of this year the opening of the expansion work, although there is no exact date, only the month mentioned.
