The U.S controlled 80 kilometer (50-mile) canal which handles 6% of the global trade is likely to double its trade after the completion of expansion. The newly expanded areas of the Panama canal will be subjected to stringent tests with more than 2000 trials in the Pacific and Caribbean sectors says GUPC, the builders of the newly expanded Panama Canal.
Trials include testing of opening and closing of gates, valves, electric power, control systems, time to fill locks, seal capacities etc. Some of the tests have already been conducted from the control towers and is almost finished.
This intensive testing will be followed by navigational tests before handing over it as a finished project for operation. The commencement of operations are likely to be scheduled later this year.
Source: Fox News
