APSEZ and MSC Group deepen long-term partnership; MSC’s terminal arm, TiL, to invest in 49% share in Vizhinjam port in total deal value of USD 2.85bn

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Group’s terminal arm, Terminal Investment Limited (TiL) announce definitive agreement under which TiL will invest for 49% interest in Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited (AVPPL)

Deal structure:
MSC Group, via its terminal arm TiL, will acquire a 49% stake in AVPPL, the concessionaire for Vizhinjam Port.

Investment size:
TiL will invest USD 1.397 billion, representing its share of the USD 2.85 billion total deal value.

Significance:
This marks the largest foreign private investment in Indian port infrastructure, positioning Vizhinjam as a dominant transshipment hub in the Indian Ocean.

Operational milestones:
- Commissioned in Dec 2024, Vizhinjam became India’s first deep-draft, fully automated mega transshipment port.
- Surpassed 2 million TEUs within 18 months, fastest ramp-up for any Indian port.
- Handled over 70 Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs), setting national records.

Strategic advantages for APSEZ:
- Enhanced cargo visibility and faster ramp-up.
- Higher share of Bangladesh cargo, reducing reliance on Southeast Asian hubs.
- Strengthened presence on East Africa trade routes.
- Elevated relay cargo volumes.

Infrastructure Snapshot
- Natural draft: 18–20m, enabling ULCVs.
- Berth length: 800m with advanced quay and yard cranes.
- Capacity expansion: From 1.6 million TEUs to 5.7 million TEUs by Dec 2028.
- Technology edge: AI-enabled Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS), automated handling systems, and world-class IT platform.

This partnership essentially ties India’s fastest-growing port operator with the world’s largest shipping conglomerate, giving Vizhinjam the scale and cargo flow needed to rival Colombo, Singapore, and Dubai as a transshipment hub.