Thursday, March 6, 2025

Panama’s Ports of Balboa and Christobal may have new management!

Happy Thursday!    

Well, we blogged on Monday on the Panama Canal Authority and how they announced the Rio Indio Basin Project or Resolution No. ACP-JD-RM-25-1542.  Well, Panama’s canal and its ports were in the news for a big change which will be coming soon.

Did anyone see The Houston Chronicle’s Business Section on March 5, 2025, they reprinted an article from the Associated Press titled, “BlackRock Strikes Panama Canal deal giving U.S. control”?  In the article, it speaks on how the international company of CK Hutchingson Holdings has accepted an offer from the BlackRock group to purchase the controlling interest from Hutchingson Port Holdings and Hutchingson Port Group Holdings who manages 43 ports in 23 countries, including Panama’s ports of Balboa and Christobal, as well as ports in Mexico, the Netherlands, Egypt, Australia, Pakistan, and so on.  The BlackRock group includes BlackRock, Inc as well as BlackRock ancillary Global Infrastructure Partners and Terminal Investment Limited.  The BlackRock group will pay almost $23 billion and $5 billion in debt for the control over 43 ports. The deal will need the consent from Panamanian government.  Hutchingson Ports had been given a no-bid extension contract for a 25-years to manage the ports, nonetheless the contract was being reviewed since the accusations from the U.S.   If we hear any other news which effects the Panama Canal or its Ports, we will surely post the information.  If you would like to read more of Associated Press’ article for free on msn, please click the link: BlackRock strikes deal to bring ports on both sides of Panama Canal under Americancontrol.

If you would like help in looking into how to update your terminal and docks, contact us via email in the Blog and check out ESC's website for contact information!

It’s Day 3 of the Houston Livestock and Rodeo.  If you’re interested in going to this world class event or you want to see the performers’ line-up for this season; please click the link for information: The Official Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Website.

We hope you have a wonderful evening and a great week! 

**Disclaimer: You may be charged a fee to read the Associated Press’ article. **