The ACP is seeking a top-tier firm with a solid reputation in program management, and with experience working on various construction projects around the globe. The chosen firm will assist the ACP in the management of approximately 10 major contracts, interfacing with both design and construction teams.

The ACP Board of Directors approved the use of an integrated program management model, wherein the Authority will designate tasks between its own staff and the selected firm.

"The selection of a reputable and experienced Program Manager is an important component in the success of the waterway's expansion," explained ACP Engineering and Programs Management Director Jorge L. Quijano. "We are looking to attract a firm with global reach and proven experience in providing proactive solutions as we move forward with the program."

Expansion will build a new lane of traffic along the Panama Canal through the construction of a new set of locks, which will double its tonnage capacity and allow the passage of longer, wider and deeper draft vessels. The Program Manager will provide services that will include assisting the ACP in the integrated oversight and effective control of the following projects: the design and construction of the new Atlantic and Pacific Post-Panamax Locks; dredging (widening and deepening) of the Atlantic entrance channel; dredging of the Pacific entrance channel; the dry excavation of the access channel that connects the Gaillard Cut to the new Pacific Locks; dredging of the Gatun Lake channels; and, the further deepening of the Gaillard Cut, in addition to other improvements to existing Canal structures.

In his first visit to the Republic of Panama and the Panama Canal on Sunday, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, accompanied by Panamanian President Martín Torrijos, emphasized his support for the historic Canal expansion and highlighted the importance of the transoceanic waterway in global trade.

"This Canal has made a great contribution to the world trade and movement of the international community," the South Korean dignitary wrote in his message as he signed the guestbook at the Miraflores Locks Control House.

Expansion will build a new lane of traffic along the Panama Canal through the construction of a third set of locks, which will double capacity and allow the passage of wider and larger ships.

The eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr Ki-moon indicated that he was "very impressed with the effective operation of the Panama Canal".

He added, "I sincerely hope that this project, under the leadership of President Martín Torrijos, will result in great success by 2014."

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.