Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) is reportedly in discussions with Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the world’s largest container carrier and the biggest customer of Vizhinjam Port, for a potential equity stake in the transshipment hub.
According to reports, MSC could acquire up to a 49% stake in the Thiruvananthapuram-based deep-water port if the deal materialises. The move aligns with APSEZ’s concession agreement with the Kerala government, which allows it to reduce its holding to 26% or lower under certain conditions after the initial phase of commercial operations.
Vizhinjam Port is approaching its second year of operations and has already recorded strong early performance. It became the fastest port to cross the 2-million TEU cargo handling mark, having surpassed 1 million TEUs within its first year. Its strategic location near key international shipping routes has boosted its importance in global maritime trade.
The port has also seen heavy traffic amid disruptions in the Gulf region, with reports of around 100 vessels waiting for berths during earlier congestion, largely driven by MSC operations. However, capacity constraints remain, with the first-phase 800-metre berth able to handle only a limited number of large vessels at a time.
Since operations began, Vizhinjam has handled over 950 vessels, including 67 ultra-large container ships. It has also hosted some of the world’s biggest vessels, including MSC Irina and MSC Verona.
If completed, the MSC stake acquisition would mark a shift in its role from major customer to co-owner, potentially deepening operational integration at the port.
Beyond Vizhinjam, Adani Ports has existing partnerships with global shipping firms, including joint ventures with CMA CGM and Terminal Investment Ltd, which is also linked to MSC, across terminals in Mundra and Kamarajar ports.
