CNSS has learned that Panama Ports Company (PPC), a subsidiary of CK Hutchison, filed for arbitration against the Maersk Group on April 7. This follows Maersk's takeover of the Port of Balboa at one end of the Panama Canal.

PPC stated in a release that Maersk violated a long-term contract by siding with the Panamanian government to assist in the removal of PPC from the operation of the Port of Balboa, to be replaced by a port operator affiliated with Maersk (APM Terminals).

"On February 23, 2026, Panama, through extreme administrative measures, expelled PPC from port operations, took over the port terminal, and prematurely awarded the concession contract for the Balboa terminal to a new operator linked to Maersk, which also made use of PPC's operational facilities and information."

The announcement indicates that the arbitration will take place in London. The claims filed by PPC against Maersk are separate from, and do not affect, the steps the company is taking to pursue Panama for breach of contract and investor rights violations. PPC stated that it will actively assert its rights in both the Maersk arbitration case and the claims against Panama, while reserving all other rights and remedies.

The Supreme Court of Panama ruled at the end of January this year that PPC's contract to operate two ports near the Panama Canal was invalid.

Subsequently, in February, the Panamanian government awarded temporary contracts to a Maersk subsidiary and MSC's TiL to operate the ports of Balboa and Cristobal respectively. CK Hutchison initiated international arbitration proceedings against the Panamanian government, seeking claims of at least $2 billion.

In March, CK Hutchison increased the claim amount to over $2 billion.