ACP second major expansion excavation contract announced

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) marked another milestone last Tuesday, November 27, as it officially awarded the second major expansion excavation contract to Consorcio Cilsa Minera Maria.

The process began September 18, when the ACP released its tender (request for proposal) for the second of five dry excavation projects of the new Pacific locks access channel that will connect the new third set of locks on the Pacific end of the Canal with the existing Gaillard Cut (the narrowest stretch in the Panama Canal).

This project involves the removal of 7.5 million cubic meters in a stretch of approximately 2.4 kilometers, just north of where the new Pacific locks will be built.

On November 14, the ACP received a total of eight bids for the contract. In a public ceremony, the ACP opened each bid submission and recorded the price proposals. After a thorough review of the lowest bidder’s proposal, the ACP determined last Tuesday that Consorcio Cilsa Minera Maria met the requirements and proceeded to award the contract to the firm.

The scope of work for the second dry excavation project also includes the construction of a new section of road and a new crossing over the Cocoli River, in addition to the removal and/or relocation of electrical utilities, telecommunication lines, water lines, sanitation lines, ducts and sewers.

Site work could begin as early as this month after the ACP gives Consorcio Cilsa Minera Maria the order to proceed. The project is slated for completion during the fourth quarter of the 2009.