Panama Canal expansion moves ahead with filling of new Pacific locks

'Earlier this month, we reached one of the most important milestones of the program through the filling work of the Atlantic locks; now moving on to the Pacific side, we take great pride in the work done so far and are eager to bring the full program to completion,' said Panama Canal Administrator and ceo Jorge L. Quijano

The intricate filling process will make use of powerful electric and diesel pumps, designed specifically for the job. The electric pumps are expected to provide 30,000 gallons of water per minute each, while an added network of 13 diesel pumps will work to pump 7,000 gallons of water per minute each, filling the lower chamber at a rate of nine inches per hour.
 
The filling and subsequent testing of the new Pacific locks is expected to take approximately 90 days to complete.
 
Among their features, each lock complex includes three chambers, nine water-saving basins with a filling and emptying side system and rolling gates.
 
As of the end of May, the overall Expansion Program of the Panama Canal stood at 89.8% complete.