Press Room

Hutchison Ports PPC proudly opened its doors to welcome the 15 finalists of the National Oratory Contest, one of the most prestigious academic competitions in Panama, along with their advising teachers. During their visit, the students had the opportunity to gain firsthand insight into port operations and their impact on Panama’s economic and sustainable development.

As part of the tour, the finalists explored the historical evolution of the ports managed by Hutchison Ports PPC and their strategic role in global trade. Additionally, the company’s commitment to technological innovation and environmental sustainability was highlighted, which are fundamental aspects to face the challenges of the future.

Hutchison Ports PPC CEO, Jared Zerbe, accompanied the students, answering their questions and sharing insights into port operations. Zerbe said: “It is an honor to welcome these young leaders, who represent the talent and future of Panama. At Hutchison Ports, we firmly believe in the transformative power of education and its role in shaping the next generation of professionals.”

This experience allowed students to connect key concepts of logistics, sustainability, and global trade with their academic studies, giving them a broader perspective on the challenges and opportunities in the port sector.

The National Oratory Contest has become a platform for fostering critical thinking and academic excellence among young Panamanians—values that align with Hutchison Ports PPC’s mission.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that help develop future leaders and wished the finalists success as they advance to the competition’s final stage.

Hutchison Ports PPC has positioned itself as a leader in implementing sustainable initiatives in the port industry, not only in Panama but also at a regional level. As concerns about climate change and environmental degradation continue to rise, companies are under pressure to reduce their carbon footprint and adopt more sustainable practices.

Hutchison Ports PPC responds to this challenge with the campaign “My Goal, My Planet,” which develops a series of actions that promote the circular economy, efficient wastewater management, the use of clean energy, the gradual conversion of its fleet of vehicles and equipment from fossil fuels to electric; as well as raising awareness among its employees, suppliers, and local communities about the importance of protecting nature.

Less Waste in Landfills

The circular economy is a concept that seeks to minimize waste and make maximum use of available resources. Hutchison Ports has adopted this philosophy by implementing recycling and material reuse programs within its operations.

From October 2023 to March 2024, 168 tons of waste were collected, of which 153 were processed for subsequent use. This means that 91% of the waste did not end up in the Cerro Patacon landfill but was reused, explains Roxana Ortega, senior project and infrastructure manager at Hutchison Ports PPC.

This operation, which began in February 2023 in partnership with Panama Waste Management (PWM) and the cement company CEMEX, collects, sorts, and reuses all waste generated by the operation of the two ports.

All this waste is converted into fuel to power the kilns that produce clinker, the raw material for cement production, thus avoiding aggravating the waste problem and environmental pollution.

These 153 tons that did not go to Cerro Patacon contribute directly to reducing greenhouse gases since for every two (2) tons processed, the use of one ton of fossil fuel is avoided, and the carbon footprint is reduced, according to Joaquín Cortés from the Projects Management department.

In addition to the environmental benefit of reducing the carbon footprint, another advantage of the circular economy is the direct economic impact of this activity. According to Roxana Ortega, “when we calculated the cost of disposing of waste in the open-air landfill at Cerro Patacon versus the circular economy we use, we found that the latter is much more economical because there are costs that are sometimes not calculated, such as personnel or equipment to move the waste. Moreover, most importantly, we are contributing to reducing our negative impact on the environment since only a minimal part, just 9% of the waste, goes to the landfill”.

Beach cleaning as good practices in support of the community.

The Water Challenge

Efficient wastewater management is essential for any industrial operation. This is also a concern for the port company, which is working on a prototype system for collecting rainwater for reuse.

Additionally, it has implemented advanced systems to treat and reuse water. In collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, it develops continuous water quality monitoring programs, allowing for the detection and correction of any anomalies in real-time.

These actions not only ensure that discharged water complies with environmental regulations but also allow for the reuse of treated water for irrigation and facility cleaning.

This proactive approach not only protects nearby marine ecosystems but also ensures that port operations do not negatively affect local communities.

Aerial photo of the Balboa port in coexistence with the mangroves of this area.

Use of Clean Energy

Hutchison Ports’ commitment to sustainability includes a transition to clean energy sources. The company has significantly invested in installing solar panels in its facilities, taking advantage of Panama’s abundant sunlight.

These panels not only reduce dependence on fossil energy but also generate a significant amount of electricity, lowering long-term operating costs.

In addition to solar panels, LED lighting systems have been implemented in all its facilities. These lights not only consume less energy but also have a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements and decreasing electronic waste.

Solar panels on the roof of our main building.

Conversion to Electric Vehicles

In its effort to reduce carbon emissions, Hutchison Ports has initiated a program to convert its heavy equipment and fossil-fuel-powered vehicles to electric vehicles.

Ortega highlighted that, “The plan is that when equipment has reached its end of life, it will be replaced by an electric one. We have just completed the construction of two electric charging stations for heavy equipment used in operations to supply them with the necessary electricity. Also, regarding cranes and other container handling equipment, since 2010, we started the transition, first to hybrids and now fully electric. I believe we can say that currently 92% of the yards and docks operate on electricity. But it is a gradual process that will later extend to tractors and other vehicles, even those of our users and suppliers”

Electric vehicles not only produce fewer emissions but are also quieter, contributing to a more pleasant work environment and reducing noise pollution.

eECH, an electric vehicle for mobilizing containers.

Hutchison Ports is setting a standard for sustainability in the port industry through its various environmental initiatives. The circular economy, efficient wastewater management, the use of clean energy, and the conversion to electric vehicles are just some of the measures the company has adopted to reduce its carbon footprint.

By pioneering these practices in Panama, it is not only contributing to environmental protection but also demonstrating that sustainability and operational efficiency can go hand in hand.

In a world where sustainability is increasingly crucial, Hutchison Ports stands out as an example for other companies in the sector to follow.

Hutchison Ports PPC has recently received an important recognition from the company Panama Waste Management (PWM), highlighting its remarkable contribution to environmental sustainability through the responsible management of its solid waste in its port facilities.

Roxana Ortega, Senior Manager of Projects and Infrastructure at Hutchison Ports PPC, receives a certificate of recognition from representatives of the company Panama Waste Management (PWM) of PPC’s commitment to Environmental Sustainability and as a pioneer in establishing a Circular Economy model from its non-recyclable waste.

From left to right, part of the waste-to-energy initiative team is pictured: Yamitzel Moreno, Project Supervisor of the Projects and Infrastructure Department; Jesús González, Project Coordinator of the Department of Projects and Infrastructure; Leslie Von Chong, Deputy Manager of Environment of the Department of Industrial Safety; Joaquín Cortez, Maintenance Supervisor of the Department of Projects and Infrastructure; Manuel Abrahams, Manager of Industrial Safety, Occupational Health and Environment; Rogelio Castillo, Deputy Manager of Industrial Safety.

• An example of Circular Economy in action

In recent months, the company efficiently collected and managed around 168 tonnes of waste at PPC’s facilities. Of this total, 91%, or 153 tons of non-recyclable waste, was used to generate clean and sustainable energy. This energy was used to power the boilers of the cement company Cemex, specifically in the production of Clinker.

By implementing this innovative strategy, PPC becomes a pioneer in generating a circular economy model from its non-recyclable waste. This systematic approach minimizes the company’s environmental impacts while maximizing the value of its resources.

• Contributing to the Mitigation of the Litter Problem

This initiative also represents a significant contribution to the mitigation of the serious problem of garbage and environmental pollution that affects Panama. The project prevents this non-recyclable waste from being deposited in open-air landfills such as the one in “Cerro Patacon”, among others. This, in turn, drastically reduces the environmental impact and footprint, as well as the emissions derived from the use of fossil fuels.

• A Commitment to a Sustainable Future

In this way, Hutchison Ports reaffirms its unwavering commitment to creating a greener world and a sustainable future for generations to come. The company demonstrates, through concrete actions, its leadership in the implementation of environmentally responsible practices and its active contribution to the well-being of the planet.