MWH Global engineers featured in Panama Canal Supersized TV special

Broomfield, Colo. — The $5.5 billion expansion project of the Panama Canal is revealed for the first time in “Panama Canal Supersized,” a one-hour special airing on History’s “Modern Marvels” at 9 pm ET/PT Saturday evening, April 11, 2015. Radiant Features filmmakers Dylan Robertson and Bill Ferehawk seamlessly integrate time lapse, drone and regular photography with full immersive sound in a fast-paced, one-hour narrative.

Memorable sequences include a tour through the underground channels while water rushes in, a concrete pour 10 stories high, and fabrication of the jumbo gates in Italy.  The one-hour special features seven MWH engineers who describe the feats taken to build this world wonder. 

“Panama Canal Supersized is one of the most ambitious specials ever filmed for Modern Marvels,” said John Verhoff, History Channel’s Senior Producer.  “New filmmaking technologies allow this special’s production, storytelling and cinematography to soar to new heights and allows viewers to go places and see things never before possible.” 

The original Panama Canal, a wonder of the modern world, was finished in 1914 after 10 years in construction.  The current project includes the installation of new locks that will permit ships to carry three times the volume of cargo carried today and provide a boon for U.S. port business. In August 2014, the Panama Canal Authority celebrated the centennial of the Panama Canal’s completion.  The documentary focuses on the technical engineering and design to carry the Panama Canal forward through to the next century and beyond.

MWH Global served as the lead technical designer for the third set of locks on the Panama Canal expansion project and leads the joint venture: CICP, Consultores Internacionales.  The third set of locks will expand the Canal’s overall capacity to accept larger cargo ships through two lock facilities – one on the Atlantic side and another on the Pacific. Each of these locks will have three chambers that provide water saving basins.