BlackRock-Backed Consortium Acquires Panama Ports Amid Scrutiny

The Panama Maritime Authority will review all legal and financial documents related to the acquisition of Panama Ports Company by a BlackRock (NYSE:BLK)-backed consortium, Minister to the Presidency Juan Carlos Orillac announced. The deal, part of BlackRock’s broader $14.21 billion acquisition of CK Hutchison’s global port operations, grants control of the Balboa and Cristobal terminals—key logistics hubs near the Panama Canal.

The authority's review, requested by Panama’s cabinet, aims to safeguard public interests in these strategic ports. Meanwhile, Panama’s Comptroller General is still auditing CK Hutchison’s 2021 port concession renewal. Despite U.S. concerns over security risks tied to the deal, Panama asserts full sovereignty over the canal.

U.S. President Donald Trump reignited tensions, claiming his administration is working to reclaim the canal, a statement swiftly dismissed by Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino as false.

The acquisition could reshape Panama’s logistics landscape. Daniel Isaza, head of Panama’s business chamber Consejo Empresarial Logistico, noted that under CK Hutchison, the Balboa port resisted new port developments, including the Corozal port. A fresh administration with investment plans may boost port infrastructure and competitiveness.

While the canal remains autonomous and separate from port operations, this high-profile transaction continues to attract political and economic scrutiny.