(31 May 2025)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Pedro Miguel, Panama – 30 May 2025
1. Various high shots of dry chamber of the Pedro Miguel Locks
2. Various of technicians at bottom of dry chamber of Panama Canal lock
3. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Rafael Alvarado, Manager of Pacific Locks of Panama Canal:
++ PARTIALLY COVERED BY SHOT 2 ++
"We dry the chamber, which allows us to go down to the work area with the equipment, personnel, and materials to inspect and repair the structure on this lane."
4. Technicians walking at bottom of dry chamber of Panama Canal lock
5. Various of architect and amateur painter Franz Delgado working on his painting
6. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Franz Delgado, Amateur Painter and Architect:
++ PARTIALLY COVERED BY SHOT 5 ++
"I try to portray the positives, highlight our culture, and showcase the natural scenery and engineering marvels we have here in Panama.”
7. Technicians at bottom of dry chamber as ship transits on the other lane of the locks
STORYLINE:
Thousands of ships transit the Panama Canal every year, but few imagine what happens when one of its locks needs to be repaired.
The Pedro Miguel locks, one of the original structures built by the United States over 110 years ago, were partially emptied this week to allow for refurbishment work to take place.
For five days, the west lane of the Pedro Miguel locks was closed to ship transits while dozens of technicians descended into the depths of the dry chamber to repair, adjust, and seal parts of it.
Over 300 Panamanians worked day and night shifts to carry out work planned six months in advance.
It’s all about checking the gate’s seal, swapping out worn parts, and making sure the huge steel gates keeps working for another 20 years.
Next to the empty chamber, the east lane remained open, allowing ships to continue their passage.
"We dry the chamber, which allows us to go down to the work area with the equipment, personnel, and materials to inspect and repair the structure on this lane," explained Rafael Alvarado, manager of the Pacific locks.
The Panama Canal, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, handles thousands of ships every year.
And it has been the focus of international attention recently, following statements by U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened to retake control of the waterway.
Trump’s statements sparked outrage in Panama, prompting demonstrations in support of sovereignty over the Panama Canal.
For Franz Delgado, architect and amateur painter, the Panama Canal is a matter of national pride.
Delgado took advantage of the opportunity to paint the Canal from a unique perspective.
"I try to portray the positives, highlight our culture, and showcase the natural scenery and engineering marvels that we have here in Panama,” he said.
Above Delgado, ships continue on their journey between the oceans.
AP Video by Matías Delacroix
===========================================================
Clients are reminded to adhere to all listed restrictions and to check the terms of their licence agreements. For further assistance, please contact the AP Archive on: Tel +44(0)2074827482 Email: info@aparchive.com.
Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP_Archive
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/APArchives
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/APNews/
You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/b36bd3bf610149ab963ed695a7915bec
Author: AP Archive
Go to Source
News post in June 5, 2025, 3:05 am.
Visit Our Sponsor’s:
News Post In – News
