A Hong Kong-based conglomerate's subsidiary initiated arbitration against Maersk, accusing the Danish group of colluding with Panama to seize its port operations on the canal. Panama Ports Co., part of CK Hutchison Holdings, stated on April 7 that Maersk A/S undermined its port contract to make way for a Maersk-affiliated operator at the Balboa terminal. The company said the arbitration would be held in London but didn't explain what remedy it was seeking.

In February, Panama’s government seized the Balboa and Cristobal ports after the Supreme Court declared Panama Ports Co.’s concession unconstitutional, sparking Chinese backlash. Panama later let Maersk and Mediterranean Shipping Co. subsidiaries operate the ports. Panama Ports Co. began arbitration against Panama in February and expanded its claim in March, saying damages now exceed $2 billion. Maersk containers are stacked at the Balboa port in Panama.

On April 7, the company said its claim against Maersk is separate from its ongoing efforts to hold Panama to account for "anti-contract and anti-investor conduct."

Neither Panama's government nor Maersk immediately commented.

The legal actions could further complicate CK Hutchison's initial plan to sell the bulk of its dozens of global ports, including the two Panama ports, to a consortium that involved U.S. investment firm BlackRock in a $23 billion deal.

The sale plan, first announced in March 2025, pleased U.S. President Donald Trump, who had alleged Chinese interference with the critical shipping lane’s operations. But the planned sale apparently angered Beijing, and China's antitrust regulator last year said it would review the deal.

The parties now seek ways to advance the sale, including considering a Chinese investor for the consortium.