Our Bureau
Thiruvananthapuram
Switzerland-based Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), through its terminal operating arm Terminal Investment Limited (TiL), will acquire a 49% stake in Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited for ₹13,220 crore (approximately $1.4 billion). The agreement, announced by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), values the Kerala-based Vizhinjam International Seaport at nearly $2.85 billion, making it one of the largest foreign private investments in India’s port infrastructure. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals.
The strategic partnership is expected to strengthen Vizhinjam Port’s position as a major transshipment hub in the Indian Ocean by boosting cargo volumes, expanding global connectivity, and accelerating the port’s operational growth. MSC, the world’s largest container shipping company, is already a major customer of the port and has existing joint ventures with Adani Ports at Mundra and Ennore, making this their third collaboration.
Commissioned in December 2024, Vizhinjam is India’s first deep-water transshipment port capable of accommodating ultra-large container vessels. The port currently has an annual handling capacity of 1.6 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), with expansion plans expected to increase capacity significantly over the coming years.
APSEZ stated that the investment aligns with its strategy of partnering with global maritime operators to enhance efficiency and attract higher cargo traffic. Industry experts believe the collaboration will improve India’s competitiveness in international shipping by reducing dependence on foreign transshipment hubs such as Colombo and Singapore.
The deal also reflects growing investor confidence in India’s maritime infrastructure and is expected to contribute to the country’s long-term trade and logistics ambitions while supporting Kerala’s emergence as a key gateway for global shipping
