Cracks in lock may delay Panama Canal expansion

Huge leaks have formed in the sill of the new Cocoli locks on the Panama Canal’s Pacific side.

Photographic evidence shows water filtering through the concrete across the width of the chamber near the top of the sill, just below one of the giant rolling gates that forms the barrier between lock chambers.

According to local sources, construction contractor Grupo Unidos por el Canal (GUPC) has confirmed the leaks and is holding urgent meetings with the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) to assess the problem and discuss solutions.