Press Room

Hutchison Ports PPC Balboa successfully received the arrival of the Neo Mega Panamax ship, the Maersk Camden, the largest container ship in capacity of the Shipping line that arrives at the port of Balboa.

With the arrival of this class of large vessels with capacities of more than 15,000 Teus, Hutchison Ports reiterates the importance and commitment that it has been developing for the last 25 years through considerable investment in its human resources, equipment, technology and world-class port infrastructure which has allowed us to serve ships of this size and lead Panama to be at the forefront of maritime transport in the region, making it the best port in Latin America.

Features of the Maersk Camden

This stunning ship was built in 2022 by the South Korean shipyard Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering CO and has a size of 366 meters in length, and a beam of 51 meters, in addition to having the capacity to transport 15,413 TEU, is enabled to transport up to 2,010 refrigerated containers, making it the largest capacity ship that has been serviced at Hutchison Ports PPC Balboa. On this occasion, the Maersk Camden was serviced at Pier 18 by 6 gantry cranes, totaling 4,090 movements. which represents an important milestone in the ability to offer innovative logistics solutions adapting to the needs required by the client.

Port of Balboa

The importance of port logistics in Hutchison Ports

Hutchison Ports has a complete work team made up of exceptional and highly trained professionals who, together with their strategic allies, allow themselves to offer a quality service to all their clients. The arrival of the “Maersk Camden” has been a great opportunity to demonstrate the leadership and commitment of the maritime industry in Panama and throughout the region, offering high-quality maritime transport solutions that adapt to the consumers’ needs.

There are many requirements and functions that are evaluated and considered for a port for this type of arrival with such large ships that have a significant amount of cargo, for this reason, Hutchison Ports PPC Balboa  occupies a priority role within the international commercial demand and the development of competition between the different cargo terminals that currently exist since it is considered especially for its favourable logistics zone, it has all the required structure, the necessary facilities, equipment, spaces, personnel for arrival, loading and unloading attention, as well as everything necessary to embark and disembark. In addition, guarantee the security of the ships, during the operation and when leaving the port.

At Hutchison Ports PPC, there is a constant search for ways to innovate and improve the service to provide the best possible experience for its customers.

Sustainability Sets Sail for Panama

The Port of Balboa proudly welcomed the ZIM MOUNT EVEREST, one of the first Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)-powered vessels to dock in Panamanian waters. This impressive ship, built in2023, is the second in a series often next-generation vessels that are setting new standards inefficiency and environmental responsibility.

A Giant of the Seas

With a capacity of 15,000 TEUs, a length of 366 meters, and a width of 51 meters (20 rows), the ZIM MOUNT EVEREST is a true masterpiece of design and engineering.

Innovation for a Cleaner Future

This cutting-edge vessel features a vertical bow without a bulb, enabling an average reduction of 23% in emissions. This innovative approach not only optimizes performance but also strengthens the maritime industry’s commitment to sustainability.

At Hutchison Ports PPC, we are proud to serve as the gateway for this significant milestone, reaffirming our leadership in handling more sustainable vessels. This event highlights our role in transforming Panama’s port industry toward a more responsible and environmentally conscious future.

The future of maritime shipping is here welcome to the Port of Balboa!

Today, more and more women are joining professions that were previously considered exclusively male. Port engineers, crane operators, those in charge of security in the yards, are just a few examples of women who have decided to break stereotypes and challenge gender roles in the port industry.

It is important to note that, although a few years ago the port professions were mostly dominated by men, the situation has changed in recent decades. More and more women are joining this labor sector and have managed to consolidate themselves as port engineers, stevedores, heavy equipment operators and other professions.

As they are traditionally male trades, the gender gap in the workplace increased. However, more and more women are deciding to dare and fight for their rights and take advantage of opportunities. In fact, today, these women have managed to break down barriers and demonstrate that gender is not a limitation to successful performance in these careers.

For example, in Hutchison Ports, we find Nadiuska Dixon, a graduate in Maritime Operations who has managed to stand out in a predominantly male sector. Nadiuska it is dedicated to the administration of the main operations systems so that the planning and management of all movements in the Balboa and Cristóbal terminals is carried out, a job that requires a great capacity for leadership and decision-making. She assures that she has found her passion in this work and feels very satisfied to be able to demonstrate that women can also perform in activities that were previously carried out by men.

Nadiuska Dixon, IT Support Analyst

Another example of women who have ventured into non-traditional professions are crane operators. In this sense, we can mention Karina Degenhardt who has shown that work in this field is not exclusive to men, paving the way for other women such as Anis Vásquez and Mercedes De Nicolo, also crane operators in an activity that until very recently was exclusively male and that is increasingly arousing the interest of professionals.

 Karina Degenhardt, Heavy Equipment Operator/RTG

Karina Degenhardt, Anis Vásquez and Mercedes De Nicolo. Heavy Equipment Operators/RTGs

Likewise, Melissa Peregrina, an engineer who works in the construction and maintenance of port infrastructure works, is a clear example that women can also excel in jobs that require this skill.

Melissa Peregrina, Project Manager

Nayhelis White. Group Leader

This transformation of gender culture has been driven by the implementation of inclusion policies not only in Hutchison, but also in its supply chain where we find women as Gleidi Valoyes of the port service provider company, SERVIESTIBA S.A., which has the important responsibility of supervising and monitoring refrigerated containers. Likewise, Nayhelis White, a young woman from Colon who serves as Group Leader for the company that provides protection and security services in ports, ONE GUARD SECURITY and who has developed her leadership skills in a predominantly male area.

These policies seek to promote equal opportunities in the labor market, so that all people can access quality jobs regardless of their gender, race or social status.

All this by promoting equal pay for work of equal value, inclusive supply chain practices, promotion of training and opportunities in favor of women and zero tolerance against sexual harassment in the workplace, among others.

At the same time, the leadership and professional growth of women in the company is promoted through mentoring programs to support women in the company and awareness campaigns have also been carried out on the importance of diversity in the workplace.

Port of Balboa

That is why to Hutchison Ports it is important to continue working on labor inclusion policies that promote gender equality following the roadmap marked by the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) of the Global Compact and UN Women, as well as by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations with its goal # 5 Gender Equality.

In this way, women can access quality jobs and develop their full professional potential in the various areas of the company to build a fairer and more egalitarian society, in which people are valued for their skills and not for their gender.

The women of Hutchison Ports They are an example of professionalism, courage and perseverance. They have managed to break gender stereotypes and have shown that they can also perform successfully in non-traditional professions. Despite the difficulties they have faced, they have managed to consolidate themselves in jobs that were previously exclusive to men. This shows that gender is not a limitation for professional development and that, with effort and dedication, any woman can achieve her goals and objectives within the port industry.