ACP: Long-Standing Relationship Discussed

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) received yesterday a delegation from Port Everglades led by Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief and Deputy Port Director Glenn Wiltshire.

During the meeting, the Panama Canal Administrator provided an update on the Expansion Program and its impact on U.S. East Coast ports.

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) and Port Everglades renewed their strategic alliance in 2011 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). First signed in August 2009, the MOU solidifies both entities’ dedication to growth and best customer practices.

“Our partnership with Port Everglades further strengthens our shared goal of promoting trade growth in the region,” said Panama Canal Administrator Jorge Luis Quijano. “As we approach the completion of our Expansion Program, we look forward to pursuing even more mutually beneficial activities with Port Everglades.”

Port Everglades provides service to 70 countries and is a U.S. gateway for trade with Latin America. Having the shortest, straightest entrance channel on the Southeast U.S. Atlantic coast saves ships fuel costs and time.

The Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) recently opened an Intermodal Container Transfer Facility (ICTF) on the Port to provide even greater ship-to-rail connectivity from South Florida to points throughout the United States.

“The future expansion plans at both Port Everglades and the ACP are destined to give each of our residents and visitors better access to the growing global economy,” said Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief. “We continue to share information on our modernization efforts that complement each other.”

“We are also discussing ways to pursue joint marketing activities,” said Glenn Wiltshire, Port Everglades Deputy Port Director. “Port Everglades is the number one container cargo port in Florida and the number one U.S. gateway for trade with Latin America. We will continue getting the word out about how we are working together in this highly competitive environment.”

Areas of cooperation between the ACP and Port Everglades include joint advertising programs, data interchange and competitive market analyses of the shipping industry. This alliance will also continue to promote the “All-Water Route,” the route from Asia to the U.S. East Coast via the Panama Canal.

The Panama Canal Expansion is 79 percent complete. It involves the construction of a third lane of traffic allowing the passage of bigger vessels, which will double the Canal’s capacity and have an important impact on world maritime trade.