The process of removing the cofferdam separating the ocean waters from the Cocoli locks in the Pacific has begun.
The process comes as the next step after the Panama Canal in late June began filling the Cocoli’s locks, on the Pacific side, following a similar and successful endeavor on the Atlantic side earlier.
The intricate filling process was made by using powerful electric and diesel pumps, designed specifically for the job. The electric pumps provided approximately 30,000 gallons of water per minute each, while an added network of 13 diesel pumps pumped 7,000 gallons of water per minute each, filling the lower chamber at a rate of nine inches per hour.
This video shows the new canal uniting with the Pacific Ocean for the first time.
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