Alberto Alemán Zubieta, who as immediate past Administrator of the Panama Canal, commenced an extensive project to expand the inter-ocean passage to accommodate larger ships and increase global trade, will receive the 2012 Connie Award. The Connie will be presented by the Containerization & Intermodal Institute on December 10, 2012 at an industry-wide luncheon commencing at 12 noon at The Newark Club in Newark, NJ.

The $5.25 billion project begun under Mr. Alemán Zubieta's leadership will double the capacity and includes the construction of a new set of locks that will allow the transit of longer and wider ships-a significant benefit to the containerization and intermodal industry. The Canal's entrances at the Atlantic and Pacific channels will be widened and deepened as well.

"CII is excited to present the Connie to Mr. Alemán Zubieta under whose leadership, the Panama Canal Authority's vision has been to transform this natural facilitator of global commerce into a world leader in services to the maritime industry," said Allen Clifford, CII President. "To be in charge of the cornerstone of the global transportation system, and a model of excellence, efficiency and integrity is a monumental task; to be able to present him with a Connie is a monumental honor for us."

Alemán Zubieta retired from the Panama Canal Authority in September after 16 years and has been succeeded by Jorge Luis Quijano, previously Executive Vice President of the Engineering and Programs Management Department in charge of the Panama Canal expansion program.