The Panamanian Era: Canal Expansion
The Panamanian Era: Canal Expansion
1979 - 1999
The Panama Canal Commission, made up both of Americans and Panamanian officials, prepares the Panamanians to operate and maintain the canal.
1997
Panama Canal Authority (ACP) is created.
1998
First Administrator of the Panama Canal Authority, Alberto Aleman Zubieta, is sworn in.
1999
On December 31, the American flag is finally lowered over the Canal Zone bringing to an end to the American Era of the Panama Canal.
New toll rates are implemented by the ACP, but the former toll structure is retained.
2000
Cruise tourism through the Panama Canal becomes institutionalized in Panama with Holland America, Celebrity, and Carnival cruise lines.
Panama plans a $5.9 billion project to enlarge the Panama Canal to meet demands of the larger post Panamax ships. Panamax ships can carry 65,000 tons and can fit through the present day Canal, while the post Panamax ships can carry up to 330,000 tons. The expansion is made necessary because of the increase in container shipping.
2006
On October 22, Panama citizens vote to approve a national referendum for $5.25 billion to expand the Panama Canal. Supported by Panamanian President Torrijos, Jr., the referendum is passed by 76.8% of the vote.
2007
North access channels to new Pacific locks awarded to contractors.
Deepening and widening of the Pacific entrance begun.
Astronaut Scott Parazynski, a descendant of Lt. Col. Gaillard, carries two of the Roosevelt medals given to the early construction workers of the Canal on the Space Shuttle Discovery orbiting 238 times around the earth.
2008
Astronaut Scott Parazynski presents one of the Roosevelt Medals he took into space to the Panama Canal Museum. He presents the second medal to Museo del Canal Interoceánico de Panamá in Panama City, Republic of Panama.
Colon, Panama, becomes the home port for the Royal Caribbean cruise line.
Cruise ship, the Disney Magic, pays $313,200 to transit canal. Nearly 1 million ships have crossed canal since it opened in 1914.
New lighting system completed, increasing the brightness in the Panama Canal by 300%.
New tugboats are contracted.
2009
Currently 9,000 workers, mostly Panamanian, work at the Canal. They guide about 12-15 thousand ships a year to cross the isthmus.
On July 8, contract to expand the locks awarded to consortium which includes Panama, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, and the United States. US will take a lead in the design of the locks.
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