Panama Ports Company (PPC) announced the start of an international arbitration process against the Danish shipping company Maersk following operational changes executed by the government in February 2026. In a statement dated April 7, PPC—a subsidiary of the Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison Holdings—reported that the process is based on a long-term contract that, according to the company, guaranteed its exclusive use of the port terminals it operated in Panama, as well as access to infrastructure and operational information. The decision comes during a transition period that could extend up to 18 months, as explained by Panamanian authorities. PPC argues that these actions constitute a violation of its contractual rights and maintains that Panama implemented 'extreme measures' to expel it from port operations. In the Pacific, the Balboa terminal came under the administration of APM Terminals, a subsidiary of Maersk, while in the Atlantic, Terminal Investment Limited (TIL), associated with the MSC group, was appointed. This measure was formalized through an occupation decree to ensure the continuity of operations and preserve jobs. As part of that transition, the Panamanian state appointed interim operators linked to global players in the maritime sector. Days later, the process was executed.
