Panama Canal's Contracted Training Vessel Transits New Locks

The Panama Canal’s contracted vessel transited the new Atlantic-facing Agua Clara Locks today. These transits, performed by the Neopanamax dry bulk carrier MN Baroque, are part of a series of a long-planned training events occurring in the run-up to the Expanded Canal’s June 26 Inauguration.

The vessel, which arrived in Panama this week, has a length of 255 meters and a beam of 43 meters, and was contracted by the Panama Canal to perform multiple lockages through the Expanded locks for testing and training purposes. They are taking place in parallel to training being conducted at the Canal’s state-of-the-art training facilities: the Center for Simulation, Research and Maritime Development (SIDMAR) and the Scale Model Maneuvering Training Facility. All went according to plan in today’s transit.

Once inaugurated on Sunday, June 26, the Expanded Canal will double the waterway’s cargo capacity, enhancing the Canal’s efficiency, reliability and customer service. The new waterway will provide greater economies of scale to global commerce as Neopanamax will be able to transit through due to expansion. In line with its focus on customer service since the handover to Panama nearly 20 years ago, the ACP continues to provide the world, global commerce and individual segments with new products and services.