Panama Canal expansion has local impact

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Work to expand the Panama Canal more than 2,000 miles away could impact Hampton Roads businesses and jobs.

For the Port of Virginia and shipping along the entire eastern seaboard, the expansion of the Panama Canal is a "game-changer" according to experts. 

In order to reduce costs, shipping companies use vessels that can carry more cargo than ever, in some cases, more than 10 times the amount of goods than that of older container ships. To accommodate these larger vessels, the Panama Canal is currently being expanded, opening a gateway to ports on the East Coast of the United States.

"This could create a lot of jobs for Hampton Roads a lot of jobs for Virginia," Rep. Randy Forbes (R-Va.) said.