PANAMA CITY, Panama, September 27, 2007 – The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) released its request for proposal (RFP) Tuesday, September 18, for the second dry excavation project under expansion. This contract is for the second of five excavation projects to create the new Pacific locks access channel.
This channel will link the new Pacific locks with the existing Gaillard Cut (the narrowest stretch in the Panama Canal). Details of the RFP are available on the ACP’s Online Bidding System: http://www.pancanal.com/eng/procsales/buy.html.
The excavation involves the removal of 7.5 million cubic meters in a stretch of approximately 2.4 kilometers, which will serve as the entrance of the new Pacific access channel.
“Three weeks ago, the world watched as we broke ground on expansion with the beginning of the first dry excavation. Now we have initiated phase two of this crucial project,” said Executive Vice President of Engineering and Program Administration Jorge L. Quijano. “Expansion is on track and we look forward to selecting the best firm for the job, as we work to complete all five dry excavation projects and create the new Pacific access channel.”
The scope of work for the second dry excavation project includes the construction of a new section of road and a new crossing over the Cocoli River, in addition to the removal and/or relocation of electrical utilities, telecommunication lines, water lines, sanitation lines, ducts and sewers.
Similar to the first dry excavation, this contract will be awarded to the firm or consortia with the lowest priced proposal that meets all of the project’s requirements. Proposals are due October 31.
Important dates in the process include an October 2 site visit. This will be followed by an inspection of the geological core, where interested parties will learn about the type of material in the area. The ACP will also host an informational meeting on October 4.
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.
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 Web site: http://www.pancanal.com/. For Panama Canal video, please visit www.thenewsmarket.com/panamacanal.
