Maersk's APM Terminals and MSC's Terminal Investment Ltd have started an 18‑month interim management period at the Balboa and Cristobal terminals, Panama.

The development came after port operator CK Hutchison reported that it was removed from both sites following a sudden intervention by the Panamanian state.

The transfer of control was initiated after a Supreme Court ruling that voided Panama Ports Co’s long‑standing concessions.

Kuehne+Nagel reports that Panamanian ports remained closed, with no vessel or equipment movements permitted. Further updates are expected as APM Terminals and TIL progress with reactivating operations.

The closures of Balboa on the Pacific side of the Panama Canal and Cristobal on the Atlantic entrance, both of which also act as transhipment hubs, may have a regional impact by disrupting cargo flows across both coasts.

Meanwhile, Maersk announced that its terminal arm has taken charge of the Balboa facility and commenced a stabilisation phase. No announcement was available from MSC at the time of publishing this article.

According to APM Terminals, current work is centred on cargo and terminal inventory, including the condition of goods and the status of containers already in the yard. The company is also carrying out equipment and infrastructure assessments with the Panama Maritime Authority, as well as on‑site safety checks and reviews of operational flow.

System transition remains a key focus, with APM Terminals conducting testing and validation of the new operating platform. The company has advised that container movements may be regulated during this period, with updates to follow as operations advance

For the latest port and vessel statuses or situation updates, please refer to the seaexplorer alert map.