Panama’s recent Supreme Court ruling has triggered a significant shift in the management of the Balboa and Cristobal container terminals.
The decision declared CK Hutchison’s long‑established concessions unconstitutional, citing the contracts’ failure to meet the court’s requirements for modernisation and investment.
Following the judgment, Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino opened the possibility of a temporary operator, and APM Terminals has confirmed its readiness to assume control once the decision becomes final.
According to a report by Danish media ShippingWatch, the company "is willing to temporarily take over the operation of the Balboa and Cristobal container terminals."
APM Terminals has emphasised that any temporary operation would be based on technical criteria, the integrity of supply chains and the public interest.
Prior to the ruling, CK Hutchison had agreed to sell the terminals to a consortium led by BlackRock’s Global Infrastructure Partners and Terminal Investments Limited. However, this transaction has faced external resistance.
Analysts described APM Terminals’ potential temporary role as placing the company in a strong position should the concessions later be opened to tender.
In the meantime, Panama's Maritime Authority expressed its intention for an orderly transition, noting CK Hutchison’s global reputation and urging collaboration to maintain port stability.
It also stated that national port operations continue without interruption.
