Panama Canal to Host International Engineering Congress

Panama City, Panama - The Panama Canal Authority will host its first-ever best practices Engineering and Infrastructure Congress, in an effort to share best practices and detailed, practical, hands-on experience related to managing a significant infrastructure project. 
Engineering experts from 10 countries will meet in Panama to exchange the latest tendencies and experiences in the industry at the international level.

Occurring April 18-20, 2012, in Panama City, Panama, the congress will gather world-renowned experts in the fields of geotechnical, electrical, structural and civil engineering. In addition, it will showcase infrastructure projects from around the world and update attendees on the progress of the Canal Expansion Program.

The Panama Canal 2012 International Engineering and Infrastructure Congress will provide updated information on all of the elements of expansion, including the financing of the program. Twelve tracks comprised of topics such as engineering best practices, world infrastructure projects and future engineering trends will round out the agenda for the first two days.

Engineers will speak about lock design experience, planning prerequisites for successful projects, and the latest design technology. 

Steven L. Stockton will speak about Managing Mega-Infrastructure Projects. Stockton serves as the Director of Civil Works, Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Washington, D.C. Lee McIntire will highlight his company's customizable approach to program management on some of the world's largest infrastructure projects. CH2M HILL is helping project owners and communities around the world meet their most challenging goals. 

On April 20, 2012, the Panama Canal Authority will invite participants to visit the Canal expansion sites and see the work firsthand.

"For 97 years, the Panama Canal has served as a pathway for major world commodities. With the completion of the waterway's expansion, it will become a game-changer in world trade dynamics," said Alemán Zubieta. "This is a fundamental project of global importance. Expansion will change the way in which the world trades, increase the advantages of the route, and reaffirm our commitment to the inter-oceanic waterway."

Expansion involves building a new lane of traffic along the waterway through the construction of a new set of locks, which will allow more traffic and double Canal capacity. Expansion will tighten the global supply chain and help move goods to market faster, thus saving time and money for both producers and consumers.

For more information on the Panama Canal 2012 International Engineering and Infrastructure Congress visit: www.pancanal.com/canalcongress.