The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has released its request for proposal (RFP) for the Canal’s Pacific entrance dredging. Different from the dry excavation, this project will deepen and widen the Canal’s Pacific entrance channel to ensure that longer, wider ships can reach the new locks.
The scope of work will include the dredging of approximately 321 cubic ft. and will widen the 8.9 mile-long navigation channels at least 218 meters, deepening them to a maximum level of -15.5 meters Mean Low Water Springs (MLWS).Prior to the release of the Pacific entrance dredging RFP, on August 7 the Panamanian National Environmental Authority (ANAM) approved the environmental impact study (EIS) for the project. With this approval, the ACP can now move forward with the process to select a firm.
Bids for the Pacific entrance dredging are due January 28, 2008, and important dates in the process include a site visit September 19 and a discussion meeting September 20. The ACP will ultimately evaluate proposals that meet the project’s needs based on a combination of best value and individual consultations with bidding firms.
Expansion will build a new lane of traffic along the Panama Canal through the construction of a new set of locks, which will double capacity and allow more traffic and longer, wider ships.