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The Panama Canal, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, has a long history. In 1914, America started an 80 km long canal connecting the two oceans. The Panama Canal is one of the most important maritime trade routes in the world. This is 6 percent of the total sea traffic. America, Japan and China are the major countries using this road. Nowadays the repair work of this canal is going on. The spare parts of its chamber and essential electrical equipment are being replaced so that the age of this canal increases by at least 100 years. Crater rocks are found around the Panama Canal.
Workers using cranes are repairing a century-old canal wall. There is a steady stream of ships that are marching ahead with horns full blast. The water flow is diverted over a large area. The chamber or street in which the laborers are working is named Pedro Miguel Lock. Water is being pumped out through high concrete walls and big gates. Engineers are working hard to make the most of the situation when traffic stops. They want to polish all the old structures and rest of the machinery.
A total of more than one million ships have passed through this canal connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In 2022, 14000 small and big ships passed through which 518 million tonnes of goods were traded. This earned the Panama Canal Authority $2.5 billion. However, the future of the canal is also at risk due to dwindling water and less rainfall. The Panama Authority believes that the canal repair plan will increase the lifespan of the canal by 100 years.
A chamber that acts as a lift for ships to pass through the gates. When the ship rises up to 85 feet, it is thrown from side to side. The Pedro Miguel Lock has two chambers. About 30 ships pass through each chamber daily. Although repairs are underway, ships continue to come and go. At present the work in the western chamber is closed, so ships keep coming and going in the eastern chamber. The repair is expected to cost around $250 million. 400 people are constantly keeping an eye on the 65 feet high valve and water is pumped up and down through big pipes.
Earlier in 2015, the work of repairing the Panama Canal was done. At that time a 1000 ft long and 110 ft wide hall was built. There are a total of 5 locks in the canal which divide the 18 chambers. At present, work is also being done to dry the chamber and to replace the electrical equipment. If there is any crack or wear and tear due to emptying of the chamber, it will also be taken care of.
The chamber’s two steel doors, each weighing 700 tons. Doors are being stripped and repainted in the workshop, with rubber fittings and seals replaced. Each chamber is inspected and repaired once every five years. The entire operation cost the canal authority $400 million. 100 years ago this canal was designed in such a way that the efficiency of the canal can be increased by maintaining it.