AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF WEBMASTERS PRAISES ACP WEB SITE’S DESIGN, LAYOUT AND QUALITY CONTENT

PANAMA CITY, Panama, May 10, 2005 –Where can you see an interactive demonstration of how the Panama Canal works? Where can you see a massive container ship transit the Miraflores Locks in real-time without flying to Panama? The answers are at the click of your mouse – at www.pancanal.com.

From historical facts to shipping statistics, from reserving a Canal transit to learning about the Canal Watershed – Pancanal.com has it all. It is no wonder that it recently received a coveted award from the American Association of Webmasters (AAWM). Pancanal.com is a useful tool to customers, the maritime industry and anyone interested in this engineering marvel.

The ACP received a gold prize from the AAWM for its Web site design and layout, which, “in a user-friendly way, displays quality content for visitors.” Because of this recognition, the ACP will compete for the 2005 Web site of the Year award (the winner will be announced in December).

“We really try to make Pancanal.com as user-friendly as possible while still providing valuable, practical business services to our customers. We are continually developing new functionality and updating the site for our customers, Panamanians and anyone who wants to learn about the Canal. We are truly honored and humbled that the AAWM has recognized us,” said ACP Webmaster Leyla Raymondo.

The ACP has received other awards for its Web site, including: special recognition in the 2003 Golden @ Contest of El Salvador as the “Most Voted for Web site” by users in Central America; the 2004 Golden @ in Panama in the “Government and Associations” and “Best Projection in Panama” categories; and inclusion in EarthCam’s (the world’s leading network of Internet cameras) “25 Most Interesting Webcams” list.

The Canal Web site provides detailed and up-to-date information about the administration and operations of the Panama Canal in both Spanish and English. A vital resource to shippers, the Web site offers weather reports, maritime advisories and information on procedures to transit the Canal, allowing companies and the shipping industry worldwide to efficiently plan their transits through the Canal.

About the Panama Canal Authority (ACP)
The ACP is the autonomous agency of the Government of Panama in charge of managing, operating and maintaining the Panama Canal. The operation of the ACP is based on its organic law and the regulations approved by its Board of Directors. For more information, please refer to the ACP’s website: http://www.pancanal.com/.

The Authority’s responsibility to the Panamanian people is paramount. The Canal belongs to the people and benefits from the Canal should accrue to as many Panamanians as possible. The Authority will plan its future so that it will continually contribute to the economic development and welfare of the citizens of Panama.