Panama Canal Authority considers fourth lock

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has set its sights on a further ambitious expansion project, worth an estimated US$17bn, to accommodate some of the largest vessels coming into service.

Already one of the world’s busiest maritime shipping routes, the Authority is looking to develop the Canal further within the next 15 years to accommodate ships of up to 20,000 teu capacity.

China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), a subsidiary of state-owned China Communications Construction Co, recently met with the ACP and has expressed interest in building and financing a fourth set of locks in Panama.