Panama Canal Authority April 24, 2006 Page 5

Panama Canal Authority

April 24, 2006

Page 5 of 70

vessels to navigate in these channels in a single direction at any time. As far as existing navigation channels are

concerned, the project includes the deepening of Gaillard Cut’s and Gatun Lake’s navigation channels by 1.2 m (4’), up to a

9.2 m (30’) PLD 10 level.  The channel will then be able to accept vessel drafts of up to 15.2 m (50’) 11in tropical fresh water

(TFW)12. Gatun lake’s channels will also be widened to no less than 280 m (920’) in their straight sections and 366 m (1,200’) in

the turns. These dimensions will permit post-Panamax encounters or cross-navigation in opposite directions in Gatun Lake. Additionally, the Canal’s sea entrance navigation channels on the Atlantic and Pacific sides will be widened to no less than 225 m (740’) and deepened to 15.5 m (51’) deep below the level of the lowest tides. Widening and deepening the Canal entrances will allow post-Panamax vessels to navigate these channels and meet vessels of Panamax dimensions in them