(Voice of America) Since the Panama Canal opened a passageway between the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans nearly a century ago, nearly one million ships have sailed through. Building the channel across the Isthmus of Panama began in 1882, but disease, geography and politics delayed its completion until 1914. More than 27,000 workers lost their lives during construction. Now, … [Read more...]
Panama Canal on track for record year
(Newsroom Panama) While much of the world shuffles toward economic recovery from the economic crisis, the Panama Canal is heading for a record year. The news comes from the Canal’s administrator, German Alberto Zubieta just one week after the first concrete was poured for the widening of the Canal, predicted to produce a major boost in revenues, when completed in … [Read more...]
First concrete poured for new Panama Canal locks
(Prensa.com) The first concrete was poured Friday in the new set of locks that will be the largest component of the Panama Canal expansion. George Quijano, executive vice president of Engineering and Administration of Programs of the Canala Expansion, called the event Friday a "special day for Panama." The concrete was poured in the locks on the Atlantic side of the Canal. … [Read more...]
Cruise through the Panama Canal
(Democrat Herald) Roughly two feet. That’s how much clearance our ship had on each side when crossing through the Gatun Locks on the northern entrance of the Panama Canal. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience — crossing the canal on a cruise ship — and I was lucky to do it in May. On a 15-day westward itinerary on Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas, we spent nearly an … [Read more...]
In awe of Panama
(Canada.com) When my friend Mary took us to the Miraflores Locks, one of the three locks that comprise the Panama Canal, she chose not to stay with us. "I've been there too many times," said the Ottawa native who now lives in Panama. That afternoon in the visitors' centre, standing only metres away from the freighters and cruise ships making their way from ocean to … [Read more...]