The project, which commenced in 2001, will have cost US$250m to complete.
Once fully implemented, the entire global container fleet will be able to pass through the Canal, along with 99% of the bulk fleet and 60.4% of the tanker fleet.
The additional 4 feet will boost maximum vessel capacity from 210,000dwt to 240,000dwt. Future 18,000TEU container vessels will also be accommodated without problem.
Traffic has arisen from 14,142 vessels in 2000 to around 18,000 today. In revenue terms, container vessels contribute 52% of total revenue, with oil tankers generating a further 22%.
