The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) says it has been knowledgeable by its contractor Grupo Unidos por el Canal, S.A. (GUPC) that the Third Set of Locks for the expanded Panama Canal have handed all efficiency checks, which means they need to be able to go come inauguration day later this month.

The ACP mentioned that by passing all efficiency checks the brand new locks ought to now be functionally full to permit the protected, environment friendly and dependable operation of the brand new locks in accordance with the provisions of the contract with GUPC.

The information was submitted to the ACP as a part of a Report of Functional Completion, and comes two years after the $5.3 billion enlargement mission was initially scheduled to be delivered.

“The ACP will conduct a detailed review of the submitted report, in order to proceed with appropriate action and respond to the contractor, symbolizing an important milestone towards the inauguration of the new lane on June 26,” the company mentioned in a press launch saying the completion.

Canal Administrator Jorge Luis Quijano mentioned he was happy to succeed in the milestone, including that progress opens doorways for the subsequent stage of familiarizing the workforce with the work and operation of the brand new locks.

To practice for the brand new locks, the ACP will conduct reside checks with a post-Panamax that it has chartered particularly for this objective. Thus far, pilots and tugboat captain’s have been present process simulator coaching at Canal Authority’s Center of Simulation, Research and Maritime Development, in addition to hands-on coaching at a brand new 35-acre scale mannequin coaching facility that just lately opened in March.