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Dramatic Video Shows Progress of Panama Canal Expansion

In all the hype and headlines, we often forget that the Panama Canal remains one of the wonders of the world. We talk about the economic impact and the Canal’s crucial role in the global economy, without taking a step back to appreciate the engineering and scope of the project.

This week the Panama Canal Authority released a video update on the $6 billion expansion project, and it is, objectivity aside, stunning. The video (below) really shows the scope of the expansion and massive effort needed to create the larger canal.

Far from a relic, the Canal is still vibrant, growing part of the global economy. For its recently completed fiscal year, the Canal handled a record amount of tonnage, with 340.8 million tons running through the canal, a 4.3 percent increase from 2014. The biggest increase was in liquid bulk traffic, which rose 23 percent for the year, thanks to the increase in diesel, gasoline and propane exports from the U.S. to South America and Asia, the Authority said.

The expansion project is now 94 percent complete, the Authority reported. A third set of locks is 93 percent complete. Last month leaks were discovered in one of the locks, leading to concerns that the 2016 opening may be delayed. But, so far, officials are maintaining the problems won’t affect the schedule.

Meanwhile, installation of the electro-mechanical elements continues and three dams are under construction on the north end of the Pacific side of the canal. A total of 33 “range towers” have been built to help guide ships to and from the canal, according to coverage in Port Technology.

But if you really want to get a sense of the expansion, watch the video: