APM Terminals begins temporary operations at the Port of Balboa in Panama

APM Terminals has begun temporary operations at the Port of Balboa (Pacific side) in Panama for a period of up to 18 months. During the stabilization phase, the priority is to ensure continuity of the logistics hub while a new operating system is installed to restore container movements at Balboa with the least possible disruption.

Priority in this stage is to safeguard the continuity of Panama’s logistics hub, with the least possible disruption.

“During this initial stabilization phase, our responsibility is to ensure that Panama maintains the continuity and reliability of its logistics hub, while safeguarding cargo and protecting the safety of all the workforce. This process requires speed and precision so that the port can progressively resume operations once the system installation is completed, along with other operational, audit, training, and verification tasks that our team will be carrying out at the Port of Balboa starting today,” said Marliz Bermudez, CEO of APM Terminals Panama.

One of the main tasks will be the deployment of a new terminal operating system and the training of the workforce in this new system.

“We recognize the challenge the company has taken in this unprecedented process, yet we remain fully committed to Panama. We will work closely with our customers, authorities, and employees to ensure they receive clear and timely information on the progress of this stabilization phase,” Bermudez added.

Key elements of the stabilization phase

• Labor continuity:
  Workforce will be incorporated through the employer‑substitution process. Their expertise will be essential to ensuring the safe and orderly continuity of operations.
• Operational continuity:
  Implementation of contingency protocols to minimize impacts on container delivery and receipt, alongside workforce training on the new system.
• Customer service:
  Direct communication channels will be available for shipping lines, customers, suppliers, and transport operators, providing technical information and operational updates so they can track the status of their cargo.
• System migration:
  Transition to the Navis N4 operating system, used widely across global terminals. During this process, we will be regulating container movements at the terminal and providing customers with continuous updates.
• Asset diagnostics:
  Inventory and assessment of cranes, equipment, and systems to identify existing issues at the terminal and define the short-term operation, maintenance, and adaptation plan.
• Audit:
  Review of processes, protocols, machinery, contracts, agreements, and other operational information from the terminal to enable thorough assessment and optimization.