Panama Canal receives world-class certification for environmental management

The Panama Canal Authority’s (ACP) Environment Division received ISO 14001-2004 certification resulting from an audit performed by Lloyd’s Register Central and South America Inc., during an official ceremony November 17. The recognition underscores the ACP’s commitment to protect and maintain its natural resources, and validates its efforts to ensure the Canal provides safe, reliable and efficient service to its customers.

The ACP sought the certification because of its firm commitment to the protection of the environment. Moreover, receiving this recognition confirms that the ACP is implementing robust management procedures.

ISO standards are implemented by more than 610,000 organizations in 160 countries. These standards help to enrich quality management at organizations, including enhancing customer satisfaction and continually improving performance. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO), a non-governmental organization, is the “world’s largest developer of standards” (http://www.iso.org/).

ACP’s Environment Division ISO certification will be valid for a period of three years through 2012. The ACP received its first Environmental Management ISO (14001-1996) certification in 2003.

Other departments and divisions at the ACP have received ISO certification, including the Operations Department, the Contracting Division, the Industrial Shipyard, Electrical and Aqueduct Divisions and the Safety Division.