What Happened
President José Raúl Mulino visited the Balboa port terminal on Thursday for the first time since APM Terminals, a subsidiary of Danish shipping giant Maersk, began operating the facility. The change followed Panama Ports Company’s loss in January of the concession for Balboa and Cristóbal.
During the visit, Mulino avoided commenting in detail on the audits involving Panama Ports Company, saying that matter falls under the comptroller general. He did say that what he has seen is concerning.
Port Concessions and the Legal Aftermath
Mulino said the government is preparing for the arbitration case filed by Panama Ports Company against the Panamanian state, while avoiding comments that could affect the legal process. He also said the decision to end the concession was based on the declaration that the PPC contract was unconstitutional.
The president insisted that he has not aligned himself with any side in the dispute over the former port concession. He added that the government expects future concessions for Balboa and Cristóbal to benefit Panama.
Mulino also said he had met with labor unions representing Balboa port workers to help ensure the terminal continues operating after the departure of the previous operator.
Safety Concerns Near the Bridge of the Americas
One of the issues discussed during the visit was the fuel tanks near the Bridge of the Americas. Panama Maritime Authority administrator Luis Roquebert said officials are evaluating the tanks because they were built more than 50 years ago and no longer meet current standards.
Mulino said no decision has been made on whether to relocate the tanks or cancel the company’s concession. He also said four American engineers will assess the condition of the bridge after the fire that occurred Monday, April 6.
The bridge and surrounding infrastructure remain central to Panama’s logistics network, making safety reviews especially important for both traffic and commercial operations in the area.
Wider Government Priorities
Mulino also pointed to broader infrastructure and security issues during the day’s remarks. He said the fourth bridge over the Panama Canal has advanced 30% during his administration, underscoring the government’s focus on major public works.
On security, National Police deputy director Francisco Antonio Castro Rodríguez said homicide cases have fallen by 6% nationwide. He added that security strategy must keep changing because criminals also change their methods.
Mulino further addressed the detention of Panamanian-flagged vessels in China, saying he hopes the situation de-escalates and returns to understanding. He said what is at stake is global trade.
The Balboa visit comes at a moment when Panama is managing port concessions, reviewing critical infrastructure and defending its role in international shipping, all while seeking stability in one of the country’s most strategic commercial corridors.