Canal Expansion (Source) By Jaquetta White: The Port of New Orleans could be a leading beneficiary of the recently approved plan to expand the Panama Canal, the agency’s chief executive said. “Anything that happens that allows bigger, better and faster ships to come through the canal works for us,” said Gary LaGrange, the port’s president and chief executive. Panamanian voters on Sunday approved a referendum to modernize the 92-year-old canal. The project will double the canal’s capacity and allow more vessels, including super-sized container ships, to pass through. The Port of New Orleans has long been in support of the plan because it will open the door for more trade opportunities with Asia. Asian cargo generally is not shipped directly to the Port of New Orleans or other Gulf ports because today’s trans-Pacific cargo ships are too big to fit through the Panama Canal. Asian cargo is commonly shipped to the twin ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, which combine to create the busiest container port in the country and third-largest in the world. But as trade with Asia has increased, those ports have become congested, leading shippers to search for new routes. Expanding the Panama Canal could provide an alternative entry into the United States, industry experts say. (more)
One place the cargo could go is the Gulf Coast, said Jim Kruse, director of the Center for Ports & Waterways in the Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M University.
“It would certainly help Houston and New Orleans,” Kruse said. “The canal is running pretty much at capacity. It should increase trade just because it will increase the number of vessels that can come through.”
Under the plan, a set of new locks will be built along the canal to add a new lane of traffic. The canal will also be dredged to accommodate ships with a 50-foot draft. The canal is now dredged only to 39½ feet. The changes will oblige not only large container ships, but tankers and break-bulk vessels, said Alberto Alemàn Zubieta, who heads the Panama Canal Authority.
“We will take away the restrictions that are posed on the maritime industry today by allowing bigger and deeper vessels to go through the waterway,” Alemn said.
The project is expected to cost $5.2 billion and take eight years to complete. Construction will begin in 2008.
The expansion in Panama places new emphasis on the port’s need to expand its Napoleon Avenue container terminal, LaGrange said. The port has proposed building a terminal on a 60-acre tract adjacent to the Napoleon terminal.
“I think there’s going to be some significant decisions made the next three or four months,” LaGrange said. “It has always been a general discussion before, now we’re getting down to the nitty-gritty.”
If you are interested in doing business in Panama or doing business with Panama you will want to make the right contacts, hire a competent, English speaking lawyer, and have someone on your side who knows local customs and politics. VIP Panama takes pride in connecting its clients to the right luxury living accommodations, the right business arrangements, and the most discrete entertainment when required.
Email us at The Panama Club
+507-836-6542 / 43 (Panama) | 1-(305)-503-9957 (USA)
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Tips & Warnings
- In many areas of Panama, the sidewalks are in disrepair. If planning to travel by foot, be sure the neighborhood you’re staying in has maintained sidewalks, or the money you save by walking will quickly become the money you spend on taxis.
- Research beachfront resorts closely. Due to polluted bodies of water throughout Panama, many beaches are not open for public swimming.
- As in any large city, the risk of crime is present. Use a taxi to get around at night.
This article from eHow is useful but not really necessary. You do not need to re-invent the wheel. With the help of a well connected service in Panama you can cut out the unnecessary steps toward a luxurious and interesting life in this exciting Latin American capital city.
Email us at The Panama Club
+507-836-6542 / 43 (Panama) | 1-(305)-503-9957 (USA)
Introduction
Nestled in Central America, Panama is bordered by Columbia and Costa Rica. It’s not the first place one thinks of when planning a high-end vacation, but Panama does offer a handful of resorts designed to satisfy travelers in search of luxury accommodations.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Book Luxury Accommodations in Panama
Steps
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Step One
Call the Instituto Panameño de Turismo toll-free for more information about booking luxuxry accommodations in Panama at (800) 962-1526. You can also book online through their Web site (see Resources).
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Find your own little paradise at the Royal Decameron Beach Resort, Golf and Casino in Playa Blanca. As the name suggests, there are all kinds of sports and activities available. All meals, drinks, gratuities and most amenities are included in the price of the room. Book reservations online (see Resources) or call 011 (+507) 9 932255. (From outside of the United States and Canada, call 00 (+507) 9 932255.)
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Step Three
Mellow out by booking a room on Panama’s Caribbean coast. Hotels on this coast offer an easygoing Caribbean mood and amenities like snorkeling. Rooms are available for around $120 per night.
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Step Four
Get away from it all by booking a room at a hotel on Pearl Islands, a secluded archipelago located off the coast of Panama. These islands are home to swank resorts and remote, unspoiled beaches, and offer the opportunity for a truly secluded vacation.
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Book accommodations near Panama City to cool your heels in some of the country’s most upscale hotels. Hotels are available that occupy acres and acres of land near the country’s picturesque rain forests. Amenities include gift shops, beauty services, laundry/valet services, high-speed Internet and spa services. Expect to pay over $300 per night.
Or, we offer a refreshing alternative to finding luxurious accommodations, interesting things to do, and introductions to the right people.
Email us at The Panama Club
+507-836-6542 / 43 (Panama) | 1-(305)-503-9957 (USA)
