India, July 1 -- 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.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Travel Media.