Panama builder GUPC to fix seepage, 'no delay in expanded canal opening'
Source:transportweekly 2015-10-8 11:28:00
Water seepage through the third set of locks on the Pacific side of the Panama Canal was the result of a lack of steel reinforcement where they were was subject to stress testing, according to Shipping Gazette.
Contractor Grupo Unidos por el Canal (GUPC) said they would also reinforce the first and second locks on the Atlantic side, which have not had problems, as well as reinforce the one where the seepage occurred.
GUPC said the completion date for the expanded canal will remain April 2016, as planned, but the ACP is awaiting formal confirmation from GUPC, in the form of a comprehensive report which should also include the cause the seepage.
"GUPC's contract with the ACP clearly states that the group is responsible for all corrections that may be required. The contractor has an obligation to ensure the long-term performance on all aspects of the construction," said the ACP statement.