Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison has vowed to pursue all available legal options to defend its interests after a Panama court last month nullified its right to operate two ports along the country’s canal, while acknowledging that keeping the operations running is beyond its control.

The conglomerate headed by Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing’s family, said on Thursday that it had invited the Panama government to enter consultations to resolve the court verdict and protect its rights and interests in the operation of the ports.

But the court ruling means it will no longer be able to operate the terminals upon implementation.

Although the ruling, which was handed down on January 29, has yet to be enforced, the group said authorities had “advanced steps towards a forced exit” of its subsidiary, Panama Ports Company (PPC), and were preparing to transition port operations “with no clarity as to operational plans”.

“CK Hutchison Holdings will continue to consult with its legal counsel regarding all available recourse including additional national and international legal proceedings against the Republic of Panama and its agents and third parties colluding with them in this matter,” it said in a statement.

Previously, PPC was allowed to operate the two ports until 2047, after the 25-year concession was renewed in 2021.