Millionth ship passes through Panama canal

A Chinese bulk carrier became the millionth vessel to cross the Panama Canal since it was built nearly 96 years ago.

Panama Canal authorities marked the milestone by presenting the Hong Kong-flagged Fortune Plum’s captain a plaque and a photo of the vessel as it crossed the waterway.

The canal was built by the US in 1914 and handed over to Panama in 1999. Last year authorities began the waterway’s biggest expansion project to add two wider sets of locks that can accommodate wider vessels. About 4% of the world’s maritime trade passes through the canal.