Switzerland-based Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Group will scoop up 49% of Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala. It's the largest foreign private investment in India's port infrastructure, valued at roughly $1.397 billion (around ₹13,220 crore). Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) announced the deal Tuesday,June 30,2026.
Investment goes through MSC's terminal arm, Terminal Investment Limited (TiL). Under this deal,MSC gets its stake in Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited (AVPPL), which runs the port. This move aims to make Vizhinjam a key transshipment hub in Indian Ocean .
APSEZ's Director and CEO talked up port's rapid growth,noting Vizhinjam became first Indian port to exceed 2 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) within 18 months of starting operations. He said this collaboration should boost global supply chain efficiencies and improve India's reach into mature and emerging markets .
The alliance will likely boost cargo volumes,with projections saying Vizhinjam will grab more cargo from Bangladesh, challenging Southeast Asian transshipment hubs. The partnership also aims to strengthen port's position along East Africa trade routes.
Commissioned December 2024, Vizhinjam is India's first deep-draft mega transshipment port, initially set up for 1.6 million TEUs. Plans in place to triple capacity to 5.7 million TEUs by December 2028. The port features natural draft of 18-20 meters,a 2.9-kilometer breakwater, and advanced infrastructure,including eight quay cranes and 24 automated yard cranes.
As India's first automated port,Vizhinjam uses cutting-edge container handling systems and AI-enabled Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) to optimize operations. In year one, the port handled 1.3 million TEUs and welcomed 615 vessels, quickly becoming fastest Indian port to hit 1 million TEU mark. Within 18 months,surpassed 2 million TEUs and received 1,000th vessel by June 2026.
Vizhinjam has handled over 70 Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs), the most among Indian ports,plus 283 vessels over 300 meters long and 98 needing drafts over 16 meters. Ongoing expansion and new MSC partnership should cement Vizhinjam's place in global shipping…
