A wave of change felt around the world. The grand opening of the Panama Canal’s third set of locks marks the official completion of the $5.25-billion expansion program. Held on June 26, the historical event was marked by the Neopanamax ship Cosco Shipping Panama (operated by the Chinese shipping company Cosco) making its way through the new locks. This ship’s voyage and the anticipation of its journey through the locks was followed world-wide for days in advance of the ship’s arrival.
Working as an integrated team with the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) over the entire 9-year expansion period, CH2M provided program management advisory services for the design and construction of the new Atlantic and Pacific locks, the Pacific access channel dry excavation and dam construction, and multiple dredging contracts to widen and deepen the shipping channel.
To celebrate this trade-advancing achievement, Panamaian President Juan Carlos Varela and Canal Administrator Jorge L. Quijano welcomed dignitaries and guests from around the world, including our very own Chairman and CEO, Jacque Hinman.
“CH2M has been a trusted partner since the Panama Canal Expansion Program began,” said Quijano. “Their proven experience in the international program management arena has added tremendous value to our integrated team. Providing professional support at all levels of their organization, CH2M worked with the Canal Authority to assist in achieving successful completion.”
Jacque congratulated the Republic of Panama, the ACP, and our CH2M team for achieving this game-changing milestone and the successful administration of one of the largest and most ambitious construction projects in the world.
“We’re proud and honored to have assisted the Panama Canal Authority with the management of the largest project at the Canal since its original construction,” stated Jacque. “With the doubling of the Canal’s tonnage capacity and the transit of much longer, wider ships through the waterway, this accomplishment holds great promise for the people of Panama and all societies benefiting from this gateway to global commerce.”
At its peak, CH2M reached a maximum staffing level of 40 supporting the ACP in program management, construction management, project controls, document controls, correspondence, contract development, contingency planning, and oversight support. With the successful implementation of the knowledge transfer strategy, that number stands at eight full-time staff today, whose primary focus is on claims support and management consultation.
Added Transportation President Terry Ruhl, “From the pre-program training and into the initial chartering, the ACP and CH2M came together with the single purpose of developing a lasting legacy and source of pride for the people of Panama. There are many current and past colleagues to thank and congratulate for achieving this operational milestone. Being a part of the historical expansion program is something they will proudly carry with them for the rest of their lives.”
CH2M is honored to have many large and significant achievements to proudly display throughout its 70-year history. This is yet another marquee project to ink in our record books; a shining example of our collective purpose to lay the foundation for human progress.
Cocso Shipping Panama enters locks bearing 9,472 containers
CEO Jacque Hinman and Canal Administrator Jorge L. Quijano with CH2M Team