Panama Canal, Fourth Dry Excavation Proposal request released

The beginning of August heralded an important milestone within the Panama Canal Expansion project, which was the release of request for proposals for the fourth dry excavation contract, which in essence is the second largest project after that of the recently awarded locks contract. This project is furthermore one of the most complex in terms of the entire project, as it represents the channel linking between the Galliard Cut and the new Pacific locks.

According to the Panama Canal Authority, and specifically that of ACP Executive Vice President of Engineering and Program Management Jorge Quijano, the scope of and complexity of the work requires specific and talented expertise as it creates the final portions of the new lane of the expansion project. The executive vice president furthermore confirmed that the works on the canal expansion are currently according to budget and according to projected time lines in terms of the project management aspect of this massive undertaking.

The fourth dry excavation project entails the excavation of almost 30 million cubic meters of earth and rock, as well as the installation of a coffer dam, providing a water barrier. As part of the eastern bank of the channel an earth and rock filled dam must be constructed too. The entire expansion project will provide a completely new lane for the Panama Canal, which will be able to accommodate larger and wider vessels, together with the new locks, therefore increasing traffic and capability of the canal. A number of ports within the region have entered into information sharing initiatives with the canal, in order that the ports may too benefit from the expansion project, and the increased maritime traffic.