Panama AMP News

Public Tender for El Salado Dock Repair, Aguadulce

The Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) has issued a public tender (No. 2026-2-03-01-02-LP-000002) for the repair of the concrete dock, aluminum walkway structure, and floating pontoon at the El Salado docking facility in the corregimiento of Barrios Unidos, district of Aguadulce, province of Coclé. The project aims to restore safety conditions and reactivate local economic activity for artisanal fishermen and tourism operators affected by adverse weather conditions. Proposals must be submitted no later than April 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. via the PanamaCompra portal.

President Mulino Inspects Balboa Port Operations Under Temporary Maersk Concession

President José Raúl Mulino inspected the Port of Balboa on April 10, 2026, confirming that operations continue normally under a temporary 18-month concession awarded to Maersk following a Supreme Court ruling that declared the previous concession unconstitutional. The port now operates with 100% Panamanian staff. The government is preparing two new concessions for the Balboa (Pacific) and Cristóbal (Atlantic) ports, as well as a new pliego for the Margarita port. Regarding the Puente de las Américas, Mulino reported that four U.S. Army Corps of Engineers professionals are being received to conduct structural evaluations, including metal sampling and strain-gauge placement at critical zones. Panama has also communicated concerns to Chinese diplomatic authorities regarding the detention of Panamanian-flagged vessels in Chinese ports.

Panama Joins International Hydrographic Organization as Major Flag State

Panama has formally acceded to the International Hydrographic Organization (OHI), following the enactment of Law 479 of 2025. Panama's delegation, led by AMP Administrator Luis Roquebert, will formally present the national flag to His Serene Highness Albert II of Monaco at the OHI Assembly scheduled for April 19–23, 2026. As one of the world's largest flag states, Panama brings 50 ports, the Panama Canal, approximately 2,950 km of coastline, and a exclusive economic zone of nearly 210,000 km² to the organization, which counts 104 member states.