After the Arbitration over Alleged Port Takeover, Maersk Responds to PPC

Maersk, the current administrator of the port of Balboa, responded to the accusations made by Panama Ports Company (PCC), stating that it does not consider itself responsible for the actions taken against it after the declaration of unconstitutionality of its contract with the Panamanian State.  “Maersk does not consider itself responsible for the claims and will address them in the appropriate forum; we have no further comment at this time,” the company said in a statement.  The shipping company’s statement comes after PPC announced it had initiated international arbitration against it following the “takeover” of port terminals in Panama.  The Port of Balboa is pictured below.

According to PPC, this legal action is based on the claim that Maersk “undermined the contract” and aligned itself with the Republic of Panama to replace them by installing new port operators.  They pointed out that the new administrator of the port of Balboa has been using information and facilities that belong to him to carry out his work, also assuring that the contract between Maersk and the Panamanian State was pre-agreed before his departure on February 23.  They clarified that the claim against Maersk is different from the one filed against Panama; therefore, they will not hinder its progress. 

The company believes that Panama’s actions were “anti-contract and anti-investor,” which is why they will insist that their rights be respected in both legal actions.  They explained that the arbitration against the shipping company was filed in London, while the one in Panama is taking place in New York. Weeks ago, both the government and the company addressed the progress of the matter, with the Panama Maritime Authority stating that everything would be done through the appropriate channels, not publicly as the company has done since its contract was declared illegal.