The Panama Canal is in the midst of its biggest expansion since its completion in 1914. The megaproject will create a new lane of traffic along the canal by constructing two lock complexes, one on the Atlantic side and another on the Pacific side. The work also calls for the widening of existing navigational channels, excavating for access channels to the new locks, and a deepening of the channel system. CAPT Bill Diehl, USCG (Ret.), worked for the Panamá Canal from 2004-06; he will discuss the history of the Canal and what the expansion project might mean to Houston and world trade routes.
The Greater Houston Port Bureau is a maritime trade organization representing 180 member Ports, Terminals, Agents, Stevedores and tertiary maritime operators. Providing vessel movement information, networking and business intelligence, the Port Bureau has represented the maritime industry in the Houston port region since 1929. Prior to joining the Port Bureau in 2009, Bill served 31 years in the Coast Guard in a variety of challenging jobs including serving as a US Diplomat at the Panama Canal from 2004 to 2006.