Fireworks exploded as a huge container ship made the inaugural passage through the newly expanded Panama Canal, formally launching the Central American nation’s multibillion-dollar bet on a bright economic future despite tough times for global shipping.
The Chinese-owned Cosco Shipping Panama went through the Atlantic locks at Agua Clara in the early morning on Sunday, sailed the 50-mile passage to the Cocoli locks near the capital and passed into the Pacific in the evening, stewarded by tugboats and cheered by dignitaries and exuberant crowds of thousands.
