Maersk Aims to Permanently Manage the Panamanian Port of Balboa through APM Terminals Panama

Maersk has confirmed its interest in participating in the upcoming bidding process to permanently manage the Panamanian port of Balboa, currently temporarily operated by its subsidiary APM Terminals Panama. The company is also considering participating in other port projects at both entrances of the Panama Canal, according to La Estrella de Panamá.

The reorganization of the ports of Balboa and Cristóbal began after the Supreme Court declared the contract granting its operation to Panama Ports Company unconstitutional. Since February 2026, APM Terminals Panama has been temporarily managing Balboa under a contract of up to 18 months, while Terminal Investment Limited (TiL), linked to MSC, operates the port of Cristóbal under a similar agreement.

The president of Maersk for Latin America and the Caribbean, Antonio Domínguez, has indicated that the company is waiting for the Panamanian government to announce the schedule for the upcoming bidding process. He has also reiterated the group's interest in maintaining its presence in the country, which it considers a strategic point for its operations.

In addition to Balboa, Maersk is considering participating in the development projects for the future terminals of Corozal, on the Pacific side, and Isla Telfers, on the Atlantic side.

The Panama Canal Authority plans to award the concessions to build and operate both facilities by the end of 2027. The two projects involve a joint initial investment of approximately 2.6 billion dollars.

Photo: Maersk