Deal could turn the port’s largest customer into a strategic shareholder.

APSEZ in Talks to Sell Up to 49% Stake in Vizhinjam Port to MSC.

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) is in discussions with Mediterranean Shipping Company SA (MSC) to sell up to a 49% stake in its international container transhipment port at Vizhinjam, Kerala. If concluded, the transaction would make MSC—currently the port’s biggest customer—a shareholder as well. Vizhinjam began commercial operations on December 3, 2024, and within 18 months crossed the two-million TEU handling mark, the fastest any port has achieved this milestone. Almost the entire volume has been underwritten by MSC, highlighting its pivotal role in the port’s rapid ramp-up. The proposed stake dilution aligns with the concession agreement with the Kerala government, which permits equity dilution after the first year of operations. Vizhinjam has already handled over 950 vessels, including several ultra-large container ships, reinforcing its emergence as a globally competitive deep-water transhipment hub. Its strategic location near major east-west shipping routes is expected to reduce India’s reliance on foreign transhipment ports and strengthen its role in global maritime trade