Once sailing ships battled their way through the seas off Cape Horn. Now container vessels make their way through the Panama canal. The purpose is the same: to link the markets of the Pacific world with those of the Atlantic, trading the raw commodities and consumer goods that power the global economy. Like the Suez canal, the Panama canal is a vital pinch point and an … [Read more...]
China in talks over rail rival to Panama Canal
(CNN) China is in talks to build an alternative to the Panama Canal that would link Colombia's Atlantic and Pacific coasts by rail -- a move that Bogotá also hopes will spur Washington to push for Congressional approval of a US-Colombia free-trade pact. "It's a real proposal ... and it is quite advanced," Juan Manuel Santos, Colombia's president, told the Financial … [Read more...]
Surfing the longest wave ever in the Panama Canal
(Ink Magazine) What happens when you put together one of the modern wonders of the world, a wakesurfing boat and a surfer with lots of leg power? Two Guinness® Book of World Records, a four hour wave and some very confused sailors. On March 19, 2011, this will all be tested in the Red Bull Canal Cross when Panamanian surfer Gary Saavedra will go down in history as the … [Read more...]
Two more bridges forecast for Panama Canal
(Newsroom Panama) Crossing the Panama Canal will be easier in the future if the wishes of President of the Ricardo Martinelli are fulfilled. He announced on Friday that he will promote the construction of a fourth bridge over the Canal to accommodate the growth of the country's traffic, particularly in the capital. Martinelli said mentioned that, a tender will be … [Read more...]
US Ports Race To Keep Up With Bigger Panama Canal
(NPR.org) When Savannah welcomed the largest cargo ship ever to call on its booming seaport, the visiting vessel barely fit. The Figaro had to sail in loaded at half capacity to avoid scraping the river bottom, and even then could only navigate the shallow channel at high tide. East Coast ports from New York to Miami simply aren't deep enough to handle such mammoth … [Read more...]