BIMCO supports Canal expansion

On 12 September 2006 the BIMCO Presidency wrote to Panama Canal Administrator and CEO Alberto Alemán Zubieta to congratulate the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) with respect to the progress achieved towards securing the expansion of the Canal.

The letter made reference to the vote taken on Friday, 14 July 2006 by Panama’s National Assembly, which unanimously approved the proposal to expand the Panama Canal, saying that this was certainly welcomed by the users of the Canal, of which a significant portion are BIMCO members.


The BIMCO Presidency, Mr. Knud Pontoppidan (President), Mr. Philip Embiricos (President Designate) and Mr. C.C. Tung (Immediate Past President) expressed their hope that a similar positive result will be achieved from the national referendum that will be held on 22 October 2006.


They further stated that BIMCO fully agrees with the Administrator’s statement that expansion would be good for Panama, good for the maritime industry, and good for world trade.


In closing they wished the ACP continued success in anticipation that such expansion will ensure the continued utilization of the Canal, and its continued important role in support of global economic growth.