Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison seeks HK$11.7b from Panama over canal ports takeover

Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison, owned by the Li Ka-shing family, has initiated an international arbitration against Panama, demanding over HK$11.7 billion in damages. The Hong Kong-based firm claims Panama violated an investment-protection treaty and international law, targeting its long-standing concession to operate the Balboa and Cristobal terminals at the Panama Canal.

The conglomerate asserts that Panama's actions have "destroyed CK Hutchison's investments in Panama" and made the country a "risky place that disregards the rule of law, corporate form, and arbitration agreements."

The dispute arose following Panama's takeover of the two strategic ports, which was ruled unconstitutional by Panama's Supreme Court in January. The government seized control of the terminals on February 23 and accused CK Hutchison of seizing property, equipment, technology, documents, and other materials during the takeover, causing substantial damage. Panama only held a "perfunctory" consultation meeting, more than six months after receiving the treaty notice, and made no offer of compensation or resolution.

CK Hutchison's 90% stake subsidiary, Panama Ports Company (PPC), is pursuing a separate claim for at least HK$15.6 billion in damages over the illegal takeover. The forced termination of operations at the Panama Canal ports led to a 1% reduction in overall throughput in the first half of the year, despite better-than-expected performance in CK Hutchison's broader port portfolio.

The dispute stems from CK Hutchison's attempt last year to sell 43 ports in 23 countries, triggering a geopolitical standoff between the US and China over global trade infrastructure.