The question of safety raised about the new locks on the Panama canal is being debated over from two sides. On one hand we have the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) that questions the industry standards and the operation of the Expanded Panama Canal’s new locks.
On the other hand we have the Panama Canal statement which refutes this claim and says that the ITF’s claims are based on mathematical models and do not include data from physical navigation tests as that been done in preparation for operations in the Expanded Canal. Hence it falls short in scientific accuracy and credibility. Another valid point to be noted is that the authors have not transited through the Panama Canal, nor are they trained to do so.
The cause of anxiety
In response to safety concerns raised by its Panamanian member, the ITF commissioned Brazil’s Fundação Homem de Mar (FHM) with the study. They prepared a mathematical model, using a Maneuvering Simulator Class A, to recreate the new locks, a neo-Panamax vessel and the tugboats that would assist its maneuvers. The conclusion was that the safety of maneuverability is compromised due to the following factors:
- The locks’ dimensions are too small for safe operation (with both gates closed)
- There are no refuge areas for the tugboats inside the locks, leaving no room for failure (human error, miscommunication, broken lines or engine failure)
- The bollard pull is insufficient
In terms of maneuverability in the locks, the control of the vessel was compromised under the average environmental conditions present in that geographic area (as per the data provided by the contracting party). The main reasons were the low power of the tugboats and the required bollard pull. With milder conditions the exercise was concluded safely. The study recommends that a complete risk analysis and special training should be carried out to avoid any accidents that may result in loss of life or pollution.
Ecologically viable
The efficient and safe operation of the locks are regulated and guaranteed by horizontally sliding gates which involve tried and tested technology and are time tested. Research conducted has led to forming a strategy aimed at reducing the impact on the area, the environment and the population. Special attention has been paid from the design stage onwards to reduce water consumption from the Gatun Lake during the transit stages.
Practicality
Panama Canal Administrator Jorge Luis Quijano says that the role of the tugboat captains will be different in the new locks, but denies that responsibility for steering the ships will lie solely with them. The canal administration is going to extraordinary lengths to provide training, even building a scaled model of the canal and two ships at a cost of $6 million. They also had models and simulators so that everyone involved in steering ships through the new locks get three months to practice under real-life conditions.
The Panama Canal reiterated that it is proud of its investment in and preparation for the opening of the Expanded Canal on June 26 and its painstaking attention to detail to ensure the safe, reliable and efficient transits. Yet is left to time to tell whether man or machine is correct.
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Source: American Shipper
