THE Panama Canal Authority (ACP) will charter a postpanamax vessel before the opening of the expanded canal to train pilots and tugboat crews to assist transits through the new lane at the Third Set of Locks.

"This is one of the best ways to train pilots and tug captains in the joint effort required to transit through the two new lock complexes of the expanded canal," said ACP vice president Esteban Saenz.

Since 2012, a total of 186 of the 280 canal pilots have been trained at the Panama Canal's Centre for Simulation, Research and Maritime Development (SIDMAR) using postpanamax ships.

"SIDMAR's mathematical modelling and simulations have been updated. Locks, navigational channels and the Culebra Cut have been added," said Mr Saenz, adding that 77 per cent of its pilots have had experience with postpanamax simulation.

Canal pilots have also taken part in training programmes, both theoretical and practical, in Berendrecht Locks in the Port of Antwerp, Belgium, which are of similar size and operation.

*NEWS SOURCE