Terminal operations at the Balboa and Cristóbal ports in Panama have been affected following a Supreme Court ruling that annulled the concession held by Panama Ports Company (PPC), a subsidiary of CK Hutchison. The concession was declared unconstitutional, and the Panamanian State has assumed administrative and operational control of both terminals.
On 23 February 2026, government authorities entered the terminals and instructed PPC personnel to cease operations and vacate the facilities. PPC subsequently ended all activities at both terminals on the same day.
To maintain continuity of port operations, the government has implemented temporary management arrangements:
- Balboa Terminal: Interim control assumed by APM Terminals (Maersk Group)
- Cristóbal Terminal: Interim control assumed by Terminal Investment Limited (MSC Group)
The interim measures are expected to remain in place for up to 18 months while a new concession process is conducted. Government representatives have stated that operational continuity and job stability will be maintained throughout the transition period.
Panama Canal transits are unaffected.