Maersk Acquires Panama Canal Railway Despite Trump’s Opposition

Danish shipping giant A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S acquired the Panama Canal Railway, strategically positioning itself along a crucial trade route amid geopolitical tensions with the United States.

APM Terminals, Maersk’s port operator, purchased the railway from a joint venture between Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) and Lanco Group. The 47-mile railway traverses the isthmus, connecting Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

“This sale of a non-core asset creates shareholder value and reflects our commitment to optimizing our North American rail network,” said CPKC CEO Keith Creel. The Calgary-based company did not disclose the transaction’s financial details.

The acquisition comes amid ongoing U.S. tensions surrounding the Panama Canal. President Donald Trump has consistently criticized the canal’s transfer from U.S. control and challenged emerging international interests in the region.

In a related development, BlackRock Inc. recently led a $19 billion port acquisition on both canal sides from CK Hutchison, drawing Beijing’s attention. The transaction’s completion remains uncertain.

“This railway represents an attractive infrastructure investment aligned with our intermodal container movement services,” noted APM Terminals CEO Keith Svendsen.

Panama’s government remained neutral, declining comment on the private transaction.

The strategic purchase underscores Maersk’s expanding global logistics infrastructure and highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics of international trade routes.

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