APSEZ-MSC Seal USD1.4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Deal to Boost Global Trade

AHMEDABAD : APSEZ, India’s largest and one of the world’s fastest growing Integrated Transport Operator, and MSC Group, the world’s largest transport and logistics conglomerate, have entered into a definitive agreement under which MSC Group, via its container terminal operating and investing arm, TiL, will invest for 49% interest in AVPPL, the concessionaire for Vizhinjam port. The strategic collaboration represents the single largest foreign private investment in Indian port infrastructure and cements Vizhinjam’s emergence as a dominant transshipment gateway in the Indian Ocean region.

The transaction is subject to customary approvals, including regulatory ones. 

TiL to invest USD 1.397bn, equivalent to its proportionate 49% share of USD 2.85bn.

“Vizhinjam port has emerged as a premier transshipment hub and ramped up at an unprecedented pace, becoming the first Indian port to earn the unique distinction of crossing 2 million TEUs within 18 months of operations,” said Mr. Ashwani Gupta, Whole-time Director and CEO, APSEZ. “I am delighted to expand APSEZ’s long-standing partnership with MSC to Vizhinjam, as we prepare for the port’s next leg of journey. I am confident that our association will deliver enhanced supply chain efficiencies at a global scale and improve India’s access to key global mature and developing markets,” he said. 

The strategic collaboration between APSEZ and MSC Group will deliver significant advantages for APSEZ, including: 

• Enhanced volume visibility and accelerated ramp-up ahead of plan, driven by additional cargo volumes 
• Higher share of Bangladesh cargo, largely dependent on competing Southeast Asian transshipment hubs 
• Strengthening presence on East Africa trade routes 
• Elevated relay cargo volumes

TiL is one of the world’s largest container terminal operators and part of the MSC Group comprising a portfolio of more than 100 container terminals across five continents and a throughput of more than 70 million TEUs per annum.

Commissioned in December 2024, Vizhinjam port is India’s first deep-draft mega transshipment port with 1.6 million TEU capacity. The port is undergoing expansion that will increase capacity 3.5x to 5.7 million TEUs by December 2028. Vizhinjam port is strategically located just ~10 nautical miles from the East-West shipping route connecting Europe, the Persian Gulf, and the Far East. The port features a natural draft of 18–20m, a 2.9 km breakwater, an 800m berth, and advanced infrastructure, including 8 quay cranes and 24 fully automated yard cranes. As India’s first automated port, Vizhinjam combines cutting-edge container handling systems, a world-class IT platform, and an AI-enabled indigenous Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) to drive operational efficiency, safety and reliability. 

During FY26, Vizhinjam port handled 1.3 million TEUs. In its first year, Vizhinjam port handled 1.3 million TEUs and 615 vessels, becoming the fastest Indian port to cross the 1 million TEU milestone. Within 18 months, it surpassed 2 million TEUs and 950 vessels, setting another national record. In June 2026, Vizhinjam welcomed its 1,000th vessel. The port has handled over 70 Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs)—the highest among Indian ports—along with 283 vessels exceeding 300m in length and 98 vessels requiring drafts greater than 16m.