Panama Maritime Authority Begins Construction of Amador Cruise Port

In mid-October, the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) held a ceremony for the launch of the construction of the AmadorCruise Port, which will be a completely new cruise terminal. The project will cost US $166 million and is expected to be ready to receive cruise ships in 24 months. The consortium Cruceros del Pacifico, comprised of Jan De Nul Panama SA and China Harbour Engineering Company, will be responsible for the design and construction of the Amador cruise terminal at Perico Island. Two docks, which can accommodate berthing two Oasis class cruise ships simultaneously, will be provided at the new terminal. Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class ships have a capacity of upwards of 5,000 passengers.

Jan De Nul Panama SA will execute all dredging and land reclamation works as required for the construction and operation of the terminal. A backhoe dredge and trailing suction hopper dredge will be deployed to dredge the berth pocket, turning basin and access channel. Another trailing suction hopper dredge will also be used to dredge and transport sand from a borrow area in order to reclaim an area of more than 20 acres for construction of all land-based facilities. The new cruise ship terminal will make a significant contribution to Panama’s economy, generating thousands of direct jobs during construction and thereafter indirect jobs, as an increase in permanent jobs in the travel and tourist related industries is projected.