Outlook strong for Panama’s MIT

Outlook strong for PanamaÆs MIT If the developments at Panama's Manzanillo International Terminal (MIT) are any indication, 2007 looks to be a prosperous year for the shipping industry in Latin America.
   MIT, operated by U.S.-based SSA Marine on the Atlantic end of the Panama Canal, added six gantry cranes, extended one berth and added a new roll-on/roll-off berth, and added extensive yard handling equipment in 2006, spokesman Jaime Sasso told Florida Connection. It also put in new administrative offices, upgraded its computer system, and installed a state-of-the-art computer system for its container yard operations.
   'MIT is very positive about 2007,' he said. 'We have received encouraging reports from the lines we serve that show increases in capacity for the region and increased in throughput for our facility.'
   MIT serves 13 of the world 20 largest container carriers, and is a key distribution and transshipment hub for Latin American and the Caribbean.
   Sasso also noted MIT is developing a 17-acres distribution center adjacent to the terminal that will be operational by April 2007.