Panama Transfers Canal Ports from CK Hutchison to Maersk

• The Supreme Court ruling annulled concessions for Balboa and Cristobal port terminals operated by Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison's Panama Ports Company for over 20 years
• Maersk's APM Terminals will manage the ports temporarily under separate contracts while Panama develops a new long-term concession framework
• The transfer aligns with U.S. President Trump's push to curb Chinese influence over the Panama Canal amid growing U.S.-China rivalry over global trade routes

Summary: Panama Transfers Canal Ports from CK Hutchison to Maersk

Panama officially terminated port concessions held by CK Hutchison Holdings' subsidiary Panama Ports Company (PPC) on February 23, 2026, following a Supreme Court ruling published in the country's official gazette. The decision ends over two decades of PPC's operation of the Balboa and Cristobal port terminals adjacent to the Panama Canal.

Key Developments:

• The Supreme Court ruled in late January that PPC's contracts violated Panama's constitution
• Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) has taken immediate possession of both ports to ensure continuous operations
• APM Terminals Panama, a subsidiary of Danish shipping giant Maersk, will assume temporary management under two separate contracts (one per port)
• The interim arrangement will remain until Panama develops a new long-term concession framework for future bidding

Strategic Implications:

The transfer occurs amid escalating U.S.-China rivalry over global trade routes and represents a significant geopolitical shift. U.S. President Donald Trump has actively sought to reduce Chinese influence over the Panama Canal, which handles approximately 5% of global maritime trade. Political analysts characterize this as a win for Washington.

Companies Involved:

• CK Hutchison Holdings (Hong Kong): Losing operator
• Maersk/APM Terminals: New temporary operator
• Both companies operate in the global shipping and port management sectors

The transition ensures operational continuity at these strategically vital ports while Panama restructures its approach to port concessions. The move signals Panama's responsiveness to geopolitical pressures and constitutional concerns regarding infrastructure control at one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints.