JULY 22, 2016--During the week of July 18-22, NOAA participated in the annual EcoCanal notification exercise between the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) and the U.S. National Response Team (NRT).

The exercise consisted of simulating a collision between two vessels that resulted in the loss of several shipping containers containing hazardous materials, causing the closure of one of the locks in the Panama Canal. The Memorandum of Agreement between the NRT and the ACP was invoked via a series of conference calls to request special diving capabilities and technical assistance.

Additionally, the EcoCanal this year included a workshop on liquid natural gas (LNG) transportation and safety procedures. The workshop was organized to educate ACP personnel in order to be more prepared to handle any possible incidents. The new larger locks now allow larger ships to transit the Canal. These larger vessels include LNG tankers for the first time transiting the Canal.

As part of the week's activities the US contingent (NOAA, EPA, and U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Embassy) was treated to a VIP visit to the newly inaugurated larger locks at Cocoli. The tour included the brand new control tower and viewing the transit of a Neo-Panamax vessel through the new set of locks.

At the end of the EcoCanal exercise the US contingent was recognized by the ACP with plaques for their excellent preparation, participation, and execution of the drill and their contributions to LNG preparedness for the ACP personnel and contingency planning.

For further information, contact Ed.Levine@noaa.gov.

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