Among the firms involved in infrastructure development in Latin America and the Caribbean, Nippon Koei Latin America – Caribbean has distinguished itself by prioritizing people when designing and managing its projects, ensuring they have minimal negative impact on society and the environment.
A subsidiary of Japan’s oldest engineering consulting firm, Nippon Koei LAC has formed a solid reputation for reliability since its establishment in 2003. Based in Panama City, it has played a key role in the country’s urban transformation, building wastewater treatment plants, road networks and metro systems.
One of its flagship projects is Line 3 of the Panama Metro, a multibillion-dollar transport link that will improve connectivity, reduce travel times and raise the quality of life for thousands of commuters in Panama. Its role in the project includes strategy planning, technical supervision and coordination to guarantee the quality and functionality of the first Japanese monorail system in Latin America.
The 25-kilometer Panama Metro Line 3 will have 14 stations and include an elevated viaduct, a 4.5-km underwater tunnel beneath the Panama Canal, as well as advanced train control, signaling and telecommunications systems. Due for completion by 2028, it will use sustainable energy and state-of-the-art technology for its electromechanics and platform doors.
“Acting with integrity and contributing to society through technology and engineering has always been our value. Our business does not end upon project completion as we still provide services after design and construction,” said Nippon Koei LAC President Masanobu Shimosaka.
Apart from the metro project, Nippon Koei has also participated in wastewater treatment improvements, environmental management studies for the Panama Canal Basin, as well as other projects that combine engineering precision with environmental expertise.
Nippon Koei’s people-first approach is also evident in their operations in other regional markets.
In Colombia, where operations began in 2011, Nippon Koei has specialized in water, sanitation and transport infrastructure. And in Peru, it runs a project management office for infrastructure initiatives, including partnerships between the Japanese and Peruvian governments in the northern region of the country. In Brazil, it applies the same integrated approach on environmental sustainability and green infrastructure development projects.
Looking ahead, Nippon Koei is evaluating opportunities to expand in Honduras and Chile with the same ethos of quality, sustainability and social responsibility.
“Infrastructure for the people, this is our focus now. Between 2021 and 2030, especially in Latin America, there will be significant infrastructure needs and Nippon Koei will contribute to providing sustainable, resilient and inclusive solutions to make the world a better place,” Shimosaka said.
