MSC could acquire a 49% stake in the Thiruvananthapuram-based deep-water port if the deal is finalised. The concession agreement between APSEZ and the Kerala government has been referenced. 

Reports suggest that Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) is in talks with Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). The world's largest container carrier is also the biggest customer of Vizhinjam Port. The talks are about a potential equity stake in the transshipment hub.

According to reports, a 49% stake in the Thiruvananthapuram-based deep-water port could be acquired by MSC if the deal is materialised. This aligns with the concession agreement between APSEZ and the Kerala government, which permits APSEZ to reduce its holding to 26% or below under certain conditions following the initial phase of commercial operations.

The second year of operations is being approached by Vizhinjam Port, and strong early performance has already been recorded. It became the fastest port to handle 2 million TEUs of cargo, surpassing the 1 million TEU mark within its first year. Its location near key international shipping routes has increased its importance in global maritime trade.

Amid disruptions in the Gulf region, the port has also seen heavy traffic, with reports of around 100 vessels waiting for berths during earlier periods of congestion, largely driven by MSC operations. However, capacity constraints remain, as the 800-metre berth in the first phase can only handle a limited number of large vessels at a time.

Related: MSC is moving its Dragon container line to Naples, connecting Asia and North America.

More than 950 vessels, including 67 ultra-large container ships, have been handled by Vizhinjam since operations began. Some of the world’s largest vessels have also called at the port, including the MSC Irina and the MSC Verona. If the MSC stake acquisition is completed, this would represent a shift in its role from that of a major customer to that of a co-owner, which could result in a deeper level of operational integration at the port.

APSEZ has already formed partnerships with global shipping groups, including joint ventures with CMA CGM and Terminal Investment Ltd at terminals in Mundra and Kamarajar. Terminal Investment Ltd is linked to MSC. 

Related: Adani Ports signs pact with Port Marseille Fos to boost IMEC trade corridor

About: Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ)

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) is India’s largest private port operator and an integrated transport utility, handling a massive share of the country's cargo and container volume. Headquartered in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, it is a key subsidiary of the multinational conglomerate, the Adani Group. The company has expanded rapidly from a single port into a massive global "Ports to Logistics Platform." Its core operations are categorized into three main areas

About: MSC

MSC, short for Mediterranean Shipping Company, is a massive, privately-owned international shipping and logistics conglomerate. Founded in Italy in 1970 and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, it operates in two main divisions: Cargo Shipping and Passenger Trans. MSC is best known for its wide array of operations: Global Cargo & Logistics. It is the world's largest container shipping company, controlling a massive percentage of global cargo capacity. port 

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