Panama will open a competitive tender for port operations

Panama will open a competitive tender for port operations

Panama Launches Competitive Tender for Port Operations Amid Strategic Transition

The Government of Panama has initiated a competitive tender process for the long-term operation of key port terminals, following the invalidation of the previous concession agreement for the ports of Balboa and Cristóbal. The Supreme Court's ruling declared the contract between Panama Ports Company and the state unconstitutional, prompting a temporary transition plan to ensure operational continuity.

Under the transitional framework, APM Terminals (a subsidiary of Maersk) and Terminal Investment Limited (TiL), the operating arm of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), will temporarily manage the Pacific and Atlantic ports for up to 18 months. This interim arrangement aims to stabilize operations while the government finalizes a new concession model.

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has now published prequalification documents for the development of two new container terminals—Corozal (Pacific) and Telfers (Atlantic)—as part of a broader $8.5 billion modernization plan. The tender requires applicants to demonstrate significant operational experience, including managing six terminals with a combined annual throughput of 6 million TEUs and developing a terminal with at least 1 million TEU capacity in the past decade. These stringent criteria aim to attract globally competitive operators capable of expanding Panama's transshipment capacity to 5–6 million TEUs annually.

Parallel to the port tender, the ACP is also seeking bids for a 76-kilometer energy pipeline to transport propane, butane, and ethane across the isthmus, with a capacity of 2.5 million barrels per day. This infrastructure project, which does not require canal lock transit, is designed to enhance Panama's logistics network and diversify its economic offerings.

The tender process includes a phased approach with a projected timeline of 14 months from document release. Interested parties, including major global port operators like DP World, Cosco Shipping Ports, and PSA International, have already engaged in preliminary discussions with the ACP.

Legal uncertainties persist, as the previous concessionaire may pursue international arbitration. However, authorities have emphasized their commitment to defending the state's position through specialized legal counsel.

The government has also assured labor continuity, with over 1,200 direct employees and 3,000 supplier-linked workers retaining their positions during the transition. This strategic overhaul underscores Panama's ambition to reinforce its role as a premier global logistics hub while addressing past controversies and enhancing operational resilience.

(https://newsroompanama.com/2026/02/23/government-begins-transition-at-the-ports-of-balboa-and-cristobal-apm-terminal-and-mediterranean-shipping-companys-til-will-operate-temporarily/): Newsroom Panama, February 23, 2026
(https://pancanal.com/en/panama-canal-publishes-prequalification-documents-for-port-initiatives-and-energy-pipeline/): Panama Canal Authority, February 2026
(https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/ports-logistics/panama-canal-s-new-ports-and-pipeline-tender-processes-begin): Seatrade-Maritime.com, February 2026
(https://newsroompanama.com/2026/02/04/panama-canal-sets-strict-pre-qualification-bar-for-terminal-bidders/): Newsroom Panama, February 4, 2026