November 20 - Considered to be one of the most important and game changing public works projects of the century, completion of a third set of Panama Canal ship locks in 2014 will provide many of the world's largest vessels a crucial "intercontinental shor

To examine the potential impacts of this project and other major trade pattern developments - and the ripple effects on everything from dredging, port competition, vessel transloading and short-sea shipping - the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), US Maritime Administration and Tampa Port Authority are partnering for the third consecutive year to offer their Shifting International Trade Routes conference in Tampa from January 26-27, 2010.

This 1½-day programme will examine changing global trade patterns; impacts of improving "all water" shipping routes; anticipated waterside, marine terminal development and distribution/warehousing needs; increased road and rail capacity requirements; and infrastructure financing challenges in the coming years. 

Confirmed speakers include NYK Line North America President Peter Keller, Panama Canal Authority ceo Alberto Alemán Zubieta, PB Consult Inc. senior advisor Mort Downey, Halcrow Inc. Trade & Transportation principal Bob West, Moffat & Nichol chief economist Walter Kemmsies, and Port Authority of the Americas (Puerto Rico) executive director Rhonda Castillo Gammill.

"From cruise and container ships to bulk carriers and vessels that transport automobiles and project cargoes, the Panama Canal for the past century has played an increasingly vital role for moving people and goods from one side of the globe to the other," said Kurt Nagle, AAPA's president and chief executive officer. "Expanding this crucial trans-ocean shipping lane to accommodate more and larger vessels will certainly change the status quo, resulting in increased trade opportunities for seaports in the Western Hemisphere, while making it necessary to make major investments in water- and land-side transportation infrastructure." 

He further noted that AAPA's third Shifting International Trade Routes programme will also discuss other global trade developments that "will add layers of information and insight to help the seaport industry better position itself for future growth and success."

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