Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison warns Maersk of legal action over Panama ports takeover

g Kong’s CK Hutchison has warned Denmark’s Maersk it may face legal action if APM Terminals takes over two Panama Canal ports. Photo: Bloomberg.

Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison has warned Denmark’s A.P. Moller–Maersk of possible legal action if Maersk’s APM Terminals takes over two Panama ports.

The warning follows Panama authorities invalidating CK Hutchison’s contract for the Balboa and Cristobal ports near the Panama Canal.

Panama has sought APM Terminals to run the ports during a transition phase.

CK Hutchison said it has told Maersk that any takeover without its agreement would cause damages. It said it would pursue recourse against APM Terminals if operations are assumed without consent.

The company also said it has notified Panama of a dispute under an investment protection treaty. CK Hutchison said it is seeking extensive damages through arbitration over Panama’s decision.

Maersk declined to comment on the warning on 12 February 2026. It referred to a 30 January statement saying it would follow legal requirements and procedures.