The Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison Holdings has warned it will take legal action against A.P. Moller-Maersk and its subsidiary APM Terminals. This is over their decision to assume the administration and operation of the ports of Balboa and Cristóbal in Panama without Hutchison's consent. The warning came after Maersk expressed its willingness to temporarily take over port operations to prevent disruptions in regional and global trade flows amid the uncertainty caused by the Panamanian Supreme Court's decision to annul the concession for these terminals. In a statement, Hutchison noted that any attempt by APMT to manage or operate the facilities currently handled by Panama Ports Company (PPC), a subsidiary of the Hong Kong-based group, without explicit authorization, will cause damages and lead to legal proceedings against Maersk and its affiliated companies. The dispute arose after the Supreme Court declared the concession unconstitutional, which had allowed PPC to operate the ports located at both entrances to the Panama Canal: Balboa on the Pacific and Cristóbal on the Atlantic. Following the court's ruling, Maersk stated it was prepared to temporarily assume the operation of the terminals to ensure the continuity of port service while the future administration of this strategic infrastructure is determined. The conflict has also escalated to the diplomatic level after Hong Kong authorities questioned the Panamanian judicial decision and warned of potential effects on the confidence of international investors.
