The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has begun testing its newly finished second set of locks with transits by the bulker Baroque on the Atlantic side of the canal. The 115,000 dwt vessel has been chartered for a series of trial runs in advance of the canal’s formal opening June 26.

The new lock facilities rely on tug assists during operation, and some tug captains have expressed skepticism at the prospect of entering the locks at either end of a large vessel. But the ACP and outside experts say that this is the method used in many other lock systems around the world and the risk is manageable given training and proper procedures.

The beginning of Central America's tropical rainy season has arrived just in time for the new locks’ opening ceremony, alleviating a potential problem with navigable depth. The ACP has now lifted all draft restrictions imposed earlier this year due to low water levels in Gatun Lake, which had been depleted by a long-running drought.

http://maritime-executive.com/article/panama-canal-lifts-draft-limits-starts-transit-tests

Neopanamax makes history with first transit through expanded Panama Canal locks

http://splash247.com/neopanamax-makes-history-with-first-transit-through-expanded-panama-canal-locks/

Edited June 10, 201610 yr by stander

More Than 5 Gas Tankers a Week Seen Crossing Wider Panama Canal

http://www.downstreamtoday.com/news/article.aspx?a_id=52484