Article written: October 30, 2026
Does Maersk want to operate Panama’s ports permanently? Yes. Antonio Domínguez, president of A.P. Moller-Maersk for Latin America and the Caribbean, said the group will compete when the permanent operation of Panama’s port infrastructure is opened to bidders, and that the government needs to define when that happens. La Estrella and La Prensa both reported his remarks on October 28.
Maersk currently runs the Port of Balboa on a temporary basis through its subsidiary APM Terminals Panamá. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional the law contract that gave Panama Ports Company the concession for the Balboa and Cristóbal ports.
Who Operates Panama’s Ports Today?
| Port | Coast | Current operator | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balboa | Pacific | APM Terminals Panamá (Maersk) | Transitional contract of up to 18 months, Feb. 23, 2026 to Aug. 24, 2027 |
| Cristóbal | Atlantic | Terminal Investment Limited (MSC) | Similar transitional scheme |
| Corozal | Pacific | Panama Canal Authority project | Concession award expected toward the end of 2027 |
| Isla Telfers | Atlantic | Panama Canal Authority project | Concession award expected toward the end of 2027 |
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) puts the preliminary joint investment for the Corozal and Isla Telfers terminals at $2,600 million. La Prensa reports that the government is also expected to call tenders for Balboa, Cristóbal and Isla Margarita.
Why Is Maersk Asking Panama to Move Faster?
Domínguez said Panama is behind in expanding its port capacity and urged authorities to speed up the pending tenders. La Prensa did not detail the roadmap he referred to, and no capacity figures, cargo volumes or investment amounts were given.
His reasoning centers on shifting trade patterns. He said geopolitical tensions and changing trade routes are increasing cargo flows to Latin America and the Caribbean, and that the region’s raw materials and industrial activity have raised its relevance. Panama, he added, is valued for a reliable maritime route, and companies want a second route and a place to add value to imports close to the U.S. market.
Is Maersk’s Current Role a Concession?
No, according to Domínguez, who said the temporary operation “no es una concesión,” meaning it is not a concession. He said the company’s priority during this period has been operational continuity at the terminal.
He also described the group’s presence in Panama as a century-long commitment and said it hopes to remain for another hundred years. Maersk says its offering in the country goes beyond ocean shipping to include ports, warehousing, logistics management and air cargo.
What Is Still Unknown About the Port Tenders?
No tender date has been announced. Domínguez asked the government to set the timeline for the permanent concession, and the reports do not describe the tender’s format, scope or conditions. Maersk confirmed it is following the government’s announcements closely.
For a country whose economy leans on logistics, the open question is less whether companies want in and more how quickly Panama can turn that interest into signed contracts. The answer will shape how much cargo the Canal’s two coasts can handle in the years ahead.
