MSC Group Acquires 49% Stake in Adani Vizhinjam Port

The Geneva-based Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Group, through its terminal arm Terminal Investment Limited (TiL), has acquired a 49 per cent stake in Adani Vizhinjam Port Pvt Limited (AVPPL) for nearly US $ 1.4 billion, or over Rs 13,000 crore. This transaction is the single largest foreign private investment in India's port infrastructure and values the project at $2.85 billion. The partnership aims to accelerate the development of the Vizhinjam port, which has already established itself as a premier transshipment hub since its commissioning in December 2024.

The Vizhinjam port is strategically positioned just 10 nautical miles from primary East-West shipping routes connecting Europe, the Persian Gulf, and the Far East. By integrating MSC’s global logistics network, APSEZ expects to significantly increase volume visibility and cargo throughput. The port has already demonstrated rapid growth, recently handling its 1,000th vessel and crossing the 2 million TEU milestone within 18 months of operations. This collaboration builds on existing joint ventures between the two entities in Mundra and Ennore, further cementing a long-term operational synergy.

The investment will fund an expansion plan designed to increase the port's capacity 3.5 times, targeting a throughput of 5.7 million TEUs by December 2028. Beyond volume growth, the port serves as a critical asset for capturing cargo destined for Bangladesh and strengthening India's trade presence on East Africa routes. With its deep natural draft and high degree of automation—including AI-enabled vessel traffic management systems—the Vizhinjam port is set to redefine India's competitive position in the global maritime transshipment landscape.