Cabinet Approves Transitional Concessions to Operate the Ports of Balboa and Cristóbal
APM Terminals and TIL will assume operations at both ports for up to 18 months, with fees of US$26.1 million and US$15.8 million respectively.
The Cabinet Council approved, through an exceptional procedure, transitional concession contracts between the Panama Maritime Authority and port operators to ensure continuity of operations, maintenance, and administration at the ports of Balboa and Cristóbal. Both resolutions were published in Official Gazette No. 30468-C of February 23, 2026.
Cabinet Resolution No. 4 covers APMT Panamá, S.A. for the Port of Balboa, with a duration of up to eighteen (18) months and a fee of US$26,100,000. Resolution No. 5 covers TIL Panamá, S.A. for the Port of Cristóbal, also for up to 18 months and US$15,800,000.
The ports of Balboa and Cristóbal, at the Pacific and Atlantic ends of the Canal respectively, are central pillars of the country's trade logistics. The transitional arrangement is designed to secure ongoing operations while a medium-term framework is defined.
Sources
- Gaceta Oficial N° 30468-C (23/02/2026) — Resoluciones de Gabinete N° 4 (APMT/Balboa) y N° 5 (TIL/Cristóbal)