Admiral Moore, a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, claims that in case of military conflict in the Pacific, a large number of logistic ships need uninterrupted access to the canal to support deployed forces.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Victory for Chavez in Panama?

Mr Fox said the trust was also looking into clearing silt in the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, which would allow access to the docks for large vessels.

BBC: Tall ship in Gloucester Docks

The area around the conference centre, including Centenary Square, the Hyatt Regency Hotel and the section of Broad Street between Canal Street and Paradise Forum will see some changes to access for traffic, police said.

BBC: Birmingham & Black Country