VOICED : Resucita ampliacion de Canal de Panama

The Panama Canal construction has resumed after a financial dispute halted progress. The Grupo Unidos por el Canal consortium decided to restart the expansion work, which had been on hold since February 5 due to liquidity issues. The crisis began in December when the consortium demanded $1.6 billion for cost overruns, 50% more than the original contract for the third set of locks. The Canal Authority rejected this, leading to arbitration where the consortium seeks $400 million to continue. The expansion will allow ships with over 12,000 containers, tripling current capacity, and is crucial as 5% of global trade passes through this maritime route.

What event marked the resumption of work at the Panama Canal?

• The arrival of new machinery

• The completion of the third set of locks

• The resolution of the financial crisis

• The decision by Grupo Unidos por el Canal

What was the main reason for the halt in the Panama Canal expansion work?

• Financial liquidity issues

• Technical difficulties

• Weather conditions

• Lack of workers

How much additional money did the consortium initially demand from the Canal Authority?

• $800 million

• $2 billion

• $1.6 billion

• $400 million

What is the expected increase in container capacity after the expansion?

• Double the current capacity

• Triple the current capacity

• Quadruple the current capacity

• No change in capacity

What percentage of global trade passes through the Panama Canal?

• 10%

• 5%

• 7%

• 3%