APM Terminals assumes temporary management of the ports of Balboa and Cristóbal, in Panama

APM Terminals will temporarily assume the management of the ports of Balboa and Cristóbal, in Panama, after the country’s Maritime Authority announced the activation of a technical operational transition plan. The measure comes after the Panamanian Supreme Court of Justice declared unconstitutional the concession granted to the Panama Port Company, a local subsidiary of the Chinese group CK Hutchison, based in Hong Kong.

According to the government, the decision’s main objective is to guarantee the continuity of operations at the two terminals, considered strategic because they are located at opposite ends of the Panama Canal. The port of Cristóbal operates on the Atlantic side, while Balboa is located on the Pacific, forming a fundamental axis for international maritime trade.

In an official statement, the Panama Maritime Authority stated that essential services linked to foreign trade continue to operate normally, without interruptions. The entity highlighted that the transition will be conducted in an orderly and coordinated manner, with the expectation of cooperation from the current operator during the process.

APM Terminals will act as temporary administrator during this period, while the Panamanian State defines the next steps for the final management of the terminals. According to the government, the priority is to preserve the stability of the port system and ensure the continuous flow of cargo throughout the country.

The Maritime Authority also reinforced that the entire process is being conducted with a focus on “ensuring the continuity of international trade”, highlighting the importance of the ports of Balboa and Cristóbal for global supply chains.