Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino toured the Balboa port facilities on Thursday, April 9th, for the first time since APM Terminals, a subsidiary of the Danish shipping company Maersk, began operating the terminal. This followed the loss of the concession for this port and Cristóbal by Panama Ports Company (PPC) in January of last year. Mulino stated that the temporary measure was based on the decision to declare the contract with PPC unconstitutional. He also confirmed that they are preparing the case for arbitration against PPC but are avoiding making comments that could affect the legal process. The president assured that the two concessions for the Balboa and Cristóbal ports will be beneficial for the country. Mulino met with the unions of Balboa port workers to ensure its continued operation after the departure of the previous operator, Panama Ports Company (PPC). The administrator of the Panama Maritime Authority, Luis Roquebert, reported that they are evaluating the situation of the fuel tanks near the Bridge of the Americas, which were built over 50 years ago and do not meet current standards. Regarding the fuel tanks near the Bridge of the Americas, President Mulino confirmed that no decision has yet been made on whether to relocate them or cancel the concession of the company. He also added that four American engineers will evaluate the condition of the bridge after the fire that occurred last Monday, April 6th. Francisco Antonio Castro Rodríguez, deputy director general of the National Police, reported a 6% reduction in homicide cases in the country. “The security strategy changes every day because every day there are new ways to commit crimes,” he assured. The port of Margarita, in Colón, will not be included in the future tender for the Balboa and Cristobal ports. Additionally, the president clarified that he hopes that in the future, said port will have a container yard on par with what Panama can operate. Regarding the detention of ships with Panamanian flag in China, the president hopes the situation “de-escalates and returns to understanding.” He assured that “what is at stake is world trade.” “As a sovereign state, we made a decision,” Mulino stated. He also assured that he has not “aligned” with anyone regarding the end of the port concession with PPC.
