Issues
The current lock
chambers are 60 feet deep, by 110 feet wide, by 1000 feet long. The maximum
size of vessel which can use the canal is known as Panamax. The average
tonnage of ships has increased throughout the years; thus, the Canal can
no longer accomodate 40% of the world's containerships due to size. These
ships are known as Post-Panamax.
Other issues include the conservation of water, as each lockage uses 26.7 million gallons of water that comes from the Gatun Lake.
Finally, if maintenance is necessary on the miter gates, transit must come to a hault. This leads to traffic jams and delays in shipping goods. Neither are good for business or revenue.
Other issues include the conservation of water, as each lockage uses 26.7 million gallons of water that comes from the Gatun Lake.
Finally, if maintenance is necessary on the miter gates, transit must come to a hault. This leads to traffic jams and delays in shipping goods. Neither are good for business or revenue.
