PANAMA CITY, Panama – The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) announced the signing of an agreement with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) to co-host next year´s first-ever PANAMA CANAL 2012 International Engineering and Infrastructure Congress to be held April 18-20 in Panama City, Panama.

ACP and ASCE are convening this Congress in an effort to share best practices and detailed, practical, hands-on experience related to managing a significant infrastructure project. The congress will bring together 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.

“This Panama Canal Congress will highlight one of the great engineering accomplishments of the world. The Canal exemplifies the important role and contributions of infrastructure to society,” said Andrew W. Herrmann, P.E., president of ASCE.

The ties between the ASCE and the Panama Canal date back to the original construction of the waterway. “Best practices come naturally to these two partnering organizations as we share the vision of constant improvement and innovative solutions in the engineering fields,” said Panama Canal Authority Administrator/CEO Alberto Alemán Zubieta.

The Panama Canal 2012 International Engineering and Infrastructure Congress will provide updated information on all of the elements of expansion. Three tracks comprised of engineering best practices, world infrastructure projects and future engineering trends will round out the agenda for the first two days. On April 20, the ACP will invite participants to experience the unique opportunity of visiting the Canal expansion sites and see the work firsthand.

The Canal 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 get goods to market faster, thus saving time and money for both producers and consumers.