There are two distinct versions of why the opening of the Panama Canal’s new expanded lock system has just been delayed until the second quarter.
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) said it had announced the delay after it was discovered that cracks had appeared in the Pacific-side locks, which will require time to repair.
But, reported Fort Lauderdale’s Maritime Executive, the contractor consortium GUPC alleged that the ACP had not fully paid for its services, and that delays in funding were the reason for pushing back the canal completion date.
Whatever, Shipping Gazette reported that the head of the ACP was adamant that the inauguration was still on for the second quarter of 2016, with navigation tests to begin in April.
