The new 800-metre long quay, perpendicular to the existing one, was built in a dry construction pit to increase cost-effectiveness and shorten implementation times. More than 2 million m³ were first excavated dry and then removed offshore using a split hopper barge. Because an interwoven basalt stratum was present in the subsoil, staggered use of explosives was made to start the excavation works. Upon completion of the excavation and of most of the quay wall, the construction pit was flooded. The remaining dyke, separating the construction pit from the Panama Canal, could be dredged away using a backhoe and cutter suction dredger.
