GUPC: Third Set of Locks Fully Operational

Following months of work, the GUPC (Grupo Unidos por el Canal) this week brought to full operability the Third Set of Locks.

This means that the operation of the locks has been satisfactorily tested according to the specifications of the Panama Canal Authority.

“The project is ready to receive the first ships, proving that it works to perfection as we fully meet the requirements of the contract,” said Giuseppe Quarta, chief executive of GUPC.

“As in all these years, we have proven GUPC’s technical ability in delivering a high-quality, fully functioning project. The results of the tests confirm that we have a world-class system,” added Quarta.

For the consortium, reaching the complete operability of the work meant the successful completion of more than 2,000 tests on both sides of the project; the programming of more than 300 different scenarios for the passage of a ship; and more than 120 trials in order to ensure that the hydraulic functioning of the project amply exceeds the requirements and other obligations.

Meanwhile, the contractor is finishing minor works related to the aesthetics of the project like urban planning, gardening, the painting of buildings, the setting up of fences and the installation of security systems.

The official opening ceremony of the expanded Panama Canal will take place on Sunday, June 26th 2016.