Strike Call Lifted on Panama Canal Expansion Work
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) expressed its satisfaction after the main contractor for the Third Set of Locks Project, Grupo Unidos por el Canal (GUPC), and the National Union of Workers of Construction and Similar Industries (SUNTRACS) reached an agreement which supersedes the strike call in the new locks’ construction site in both the Atlantic and the Pacific sides. The ACP expects this agreement marks the continuation of a harmonious relationship between both parties, and thus the completion of the work as it is scheduled, which has now reached 93 percent completion.
Panama Canal Completes Expansion Program Dredging
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has completed the dredging to deepen and widen the navigational channels along Culebra Cut as part of the Expansion Program. This marks another important milestone for the Panama Canal expansion. The dredging works started in March 2008, with the drilling by Panama Canal personnel on board of the drill barge Baru. “This important achievement fills with pride each man and woman that works within the organization,” Panama Canal Administrator Jorge L. Quijano said.
Panama Canal Locks Proposals Due in March
March 3rd will mark an important date in the Panama Canal Expansion Program. The four prequalified consortia – containing more than 30 companies – will submit their proposals to design and build the new set of locks that will constitute the core of the Canal’s new lane of traffic. The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has put a process in place to select the winner for what will be the largest contract under the $5.25b program. The selection process will build off the ACP’s already comprehensive expansion contracting process and will ensure a fair, rigorous and transparent selection. The process will be detailed in the coming weeks. On March 3, consortia submissions will be separated into two submissions – price and technical proposals.
