The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) demanded as of February 5, 2014, that Grupo Unidos por el Canal (GUPC), the consortium in charge of the construction of the third set of locks, resume work on the project as required by the contract. GUPC is formed by the companies Sacyr Vallehermoso, S.A (Spain), Impregilo, S.p.A. (Italy), Jan de Nul Group (Belgium) and Constructora Urbana, S.A. (CUSA) (Panama).

After two weeks of negotiations, which saw production levels drop to 25%, almost all activity has ceased.

The Canal Administrator, Jorge Quijano, stated that ACP continues to try to find a solution, but stressed that the contractor must resume normal activity which is especially crucial during the dry season in Panama.

“ACP continues to keep the door open for a reasonable resolution within the contract,” Quijano reiterated.