Ban Ki-Moon tours Panama Canal

Accompanied by Panamanian President Martín Torrijos, Mr. Ki-moon toured the Miraflores Locks, where Panama Canal Authority (ACP) Administrator/CEO Alberto Alemán Zubieta explained the operations of the waterway and described various aspects of the ACP’s plan to expand the Canal. The expansion project will involve building a new lane of traffic through the construction of a third set of locks, which will double the Canal’s capacity and allow the passage of wider and larger ships.

“We are honored by the Secretary-General’s visit and truly appreciate the support of the international community in our endeavor to expand the waterway and leverage the Canal’s strategic location,” said Mr Alemán. “As the world becomes even more interconnected, our goal is to continue to provide efficient, safe and reliable service to our customers and to the maritime industry.”

The UN Secretary-General also had the opportunity to try his hand at operating the system of opening and closing of the lock gates for the Dutch vessel Dockwise, which was in transit from Costa Rica to Florida.