The Panama Canal expansion project, completed in June 2016, aimed to increase the canal's capacity by allowing larger ships, known as New Panamax vessels, to pass through. This was achieved by constructing a new set of locks, which doubled the canal's width and depth, enabling it to accommodate more cargo and larger vessels. The expansion was significant for global trade, as it reduced shipping times and costs for goods traveling between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The project was a major engineering feat, involving extensive excavation and the use of advanced technology to ensure the locks functioned efficiently.