CK Hutchison’s Panama unit initiates arbitration against Maersk over terminal takeover

Panama expelled PPC from its terminals on 23 February 2026.

Panama Ports Company, S.A. (PPC) has filed for arbitration against Maersk A/S after the Panamanian government seized PPC’s port terminals.

The dispute centers on a long-term contract granting Maersk exclusive use of PPC’s port operations, along with access to operational facilities and information.

PPC alleges that Maersk violated the agreement by collaborating with the Republic of Panama in a state-backed campaign to replace PPC with new port operators.

On 23 February 2026, the Panamanian government expelled PPC from port operations through extraordinary executive measures, assumed control of the terminals, and finalized a pre-arranged concession for the Balboa terminal with a new operator affiliated with Maersk.

PPC claims that this operator exploited PPC’s operational facilities and proprietary information.

The arbitration will be held in London. PPC says its claim against Maersk is separate from ongoing efforts to hold Panama accountable for violating contracts and investor protections.