Ep 7. Widening the Panama Canal

In Extreme Engineering season 1 episode 7 titled "Widening the Panama Canal," we follow a team of engineers and construction workers tasked with expanding one of the world's most important shipping routes. The Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, has been in operation for over a century, facilitating trade between the Americas and the rest of the world. However, as the size of cargo ships has grown, the canal has become too narrow to accommodate the largest vessels.

The project to widen the canal began in 2007 and took nearly a decade to complete. The episode takes us behind the scenes, showing us the various challenges that the team faced during construction. One of the biggest obstacles was the excavation of tens of millions of cubic meters of earth and rock, which had to be carefully removed to avoid destabilizing the surrounding area.

To accomplish this, the engineers used state-of-the-art equipment, including massive dredging machines capable of removing up to 60,000 cubic meters of material per day. They also constructed a new set of locks that could accommodate the larger ships, with each lock chamber measuring more than twice the length of a football field.

However, the construction process was not without its setbacks. At one point, a group of workers went on strike, delaying the project by weeks. In addition, unexpected rainfall caused flooding and landslides, throwing the project off schedule.

Despite these challenges, the team was eventually able to complete the project, which has had a significant impact on global trade. Larger ships are now able to transit the canal, reducing transportation costs and improving efficiency. The completion of the project also marked a major milestone in the history of engineering, demonstrating the remarkable feats that can be achieved with modern technology.

Overall, "Widening the Panama Canal" is a fascinating look at one of the most ambitious engineering projects of recent times. The episode is filled with stunning visuals of the construction process and interviews with the key players involved. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in engineering, construction, or global trade.