Panama Ports Company, S.A. (PPC) has initiated arbitration proceedings against A.P. Moller-Maersk (Maersk) following the takeover of its terminal operations in Panama.
The dispute centres on a long-term agreement requiring the exclusive use of PPC’s port terminal infrastructure, alongside access to its operational facilities and data.
According to PPC, the arrangement was designed to support a collaborative operating model across its Panamanian assets.
PPC alleges that Maersk breached this agreement by aligning with the Republic of Panama during a state-led campaign that ultimately removed PPC from its terminal operations.
The move resulted in the installation of new operators across key assets.
On 23 February 2026, Panamanian authorities formally expelled PPC from port operations through executive action, assuming control of the terminals and awarding a concession for the Balboa terminal to a new operator affiliated with Maersk.
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PPC claims that its operational systems, facilities and proprietary information have since been utilised under the new arrangement.
The arbitration, set to take place in London, will focus specifically on contractual obligations between PPC and Maersk.
PPC has stated that this action is separate from its broader efforts to challenge the conduct of the Panamanian state, which it describes as anti-contractual and detrimental to investors.
The case adds further complexity to the evolving governance and ownership landscape at Panama’s strategic port terminals, with implications for terminal concessions, operator accountability, and the protection of operational data within port ecosystems.
