The Panama Canal Authority and Algeciras Bay Port Authority sign MOU

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) and the Algeciras Bay Port Authority (APBA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) today to establish a strategic partnership to promote international commerce and logistic activities.

The news comes on the heels of last week’s Council of Supply Chain Management Professional’s annual conference in San Diego where the benefits of Spain’s leading container gateway were explained. The Port of Algeciras is located on the Spanish border of the Bay of Gibraltar. According to port statisticans, Algeciras has an annual throughput of more than 70 million tons and 3 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

“As you can see by our global network for 2014,” said Rodolfo Sabonge, ACP’s corporate planning and marketing director, Algeciras figures prominently in our plans.”

Proof of that came in the in the MOU-signing in Panama City ceremony involving ACP Administrator/CEO Alberto Alemán Zubieta and APBA General Director José Luis Hormaechea Escós.

The MOU is renewable after two years and will allow for technological and data exchange between the two parties, as well as opportunities for joint marketing activities and modernization efforts. For example, the two entities will collaborate on joint training programs, promotion of the route from Europe to the West Coast of South America via the Panama Canal and the exchange of data regarding types of commodities, cargo tonnage, and liner services.

“This new partnership will continue to strengthen our alliances in Europe and deepen Panama-Spain relations. Both our nations are committed to providing our business communities with the tools they need to achieve economic growth and sustainable development,” said Alemán Zubieta.