Panama Canal to host International Maintenance Congress
Experts from the United States, Latin America and Europe will participate in the second Panama Canal International Maintenance Congress to be held on August 27 - 29, 2014, within the framework of the waterway's centennial.
The three-day event will have as main theme "Investing in Maintenance: Key to Competitiveness and Sustainability." Experts in the fields of maintenance and engineering will participate in the congress, sharing their knowledge and experiences in training for a culture of prevention.
The presentations will focus on three areas: reliability and assets condition monitoring, maintenance of civil infrastructure and maintenance management.
"This year, the congress has a special significance since it will be held during our centennial. That is why we have made our best efforts to bring the most important international speakers knowledgeable on the subject," said Panama Canal Administrator Jorge Luis Quijano. "This year's program includes an area dedicated to maintenance of civil infrastructure, something new in this type of congress, which generally focus on the maintenance of equipment."
The congress will include the participation of 24 renowned international professionals who will present topics in various fields of maintenance and engineering. The exhibition will emphasize practical experiences and modern approaches to maintenance management in Panama and abroad. This year, experts will present case studies based on their professional experience. A 40-stand commercial exhibition area will also showcase a variety of technology and products.
The event includes a technical tour during which participants will be able to see a dry chamber overhaul and maintenance of the culverts at Miraflores Locks.
The Panama Canal organizes this conference as a way to contribute its expertise in the areas of maintenance, which contributes to improve a company's reliability, productivity and profitability.
"The Panama Canal is working example of the importance of maintenance. We have a Canal that is 100 years old and still runs like the very first day," added Administrator Quijano.
About the Panama Canal Authority (ACP)
The ACP is the autonomous agency of the Government of Panama in charge of managing, operating and maintaining the Panama Canal. The operation of the ACP is based on its organic law and the regulations approved by its Board of Directors.