El Canal de Panama en la encrucijada

The Panama Canal is entering a crucial week as negotiations intensify between the canal's administration and the consortium responsible for its expansion. Despite Spanish government mediation, positions remain distant. The conflict began on December 30 when the construction company threatened to halt work due to a cash flow crisis. The Spanish-led consortium demands $1.6 billion for unforeseen overcosts, citing unexpected issues and geological errors. The expansion project, which includes a third set of locks, has a total cost of $5.2 billion and was supposed to be completed this year, marking the canal's centenary. However, it is now nine months behind schedule and won't be finished until mid-2015.

What is the main reason for the intense negotiations regarding the Panama Canal?

• A new construction project

• A change in canal administration

• A financial dispute over expansion costs

• A natural disaster affecting the canal

What triggered the conflict between the consortium and the canal administration?

• A natural disaster

• A change in leadership

• A new competitor in the region

• A threat to stop construction due to cash flow issues

How much is the consortium claiming in unforeseen costs?

• $16 billion

• $160 million

• $1.6 billion

• $1.6 million

What is the total cost of the Panama Canal expansion project?

• $1.6 billion

• $3.2 billion

• $5.2 billion

• $7.2 billion

When is the Panama Canal expansion now expected to be completed?

• End of 2015

• Mid-2016

• Mid-2015

• End of 2014