top of page

By:

Capt. Naveen S. Singhal and Capt. M. M. Saggi

9 August 2025 at 1:39:34 pm

Vizhinjam’s Big Test

Kerala must ensure fair access at India’s emerging maritime gateway while avoiding the mistake of discouraging the very investment needed to make it a global hub. The proposed investment by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) in Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited represents a defining moment for Kerala’s maritime ambitions. The reported acquisition of a 49 percent stake by MSC, valued at around US$1.4 billion and placing the overall valuation of the port at nearly US$2.85 billion,...

Vizhinjam’s Big Test

Kerala must ensure fair access at India’s emerging maritime gateway while avoiding the mistake of discouraging the very investment needed to make it a global hub. The proposed investment by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) in Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited represents a defining moment for Kerala’s maritime ambitions. The reported acquisition of a 49 percent stake by MSC, valued at around US$1.4 billion and placing the overall valuation of the port at nearly US$2.85 billion, could transform Vizhinjam from an ambitious infrastructure project into a serious international transshipment hub. For India, this is a strategic opportunity to reduce dependence on foreign transshipment centres such as Colombo, Singapore and Jebel Ali, through which a substantial share of India’s container traffic currently moves. A successful Vizhinjam would mark a shift in India’s maritime geography, allowing the country to capture greater value from its own trade flows rather than outsourcing that advantage to competing regional hubs. Global Connectivity MSC’s proposed entry brings precisely the ingredient that many ports struggle to acquire: guaranteed global connectivity. The success of a modern port depends on whether major shipping lines trust it enough to make regular calls and integrate it into their global networks. As the world’s largest container shipping company, MSC brings enormous commercial strength to Vizhinjam. Its global vessel network, cargo aggregation capabilities and experience in operating terminals across multiple jurisdictions can accelerate the port’s journey towards becoming a major transshipment centre. Without regular vessel calls and cargo volumes, even the most advanced port can remain underutilised. For Adani Ports, the partnership offers equally significant advantages. A global shipping partner can reduce market risks, improve terminal utilisation and provide operational expertise. The Vizhinjam arrangement would become the third partnership between Adani and MSC after their collaborations at Mundra and Ennore. Such partnerships indicate a broader strategy of integrating Indian ports into international shipping ecosystems rather than treating them as isolated domestic infrastructure projects. The timing is particularly important. Disruptions in global maritime routes, including challenges affecting operations around the Gulf region, have highlighted the importance of diversified and strategically located transshipment facilities. Vizhinjam’s location on the international shipping route gives it a natural advantage that few Indian ports possess. However, the concerns raised by the Kerala Government cannot simply be dismissed. Vizhinjam is not a purely private venture. It is a public-private partnership involving the state government, and the concession agreement reportedly requires government approval for significant changes in ownership structure. More importantly, the agreement mandates that the port function as a common-user facility with non-discriminatory access. Maintaining Confidence This principle is essential for maintaining confidence among global shipping lines. Companies such as CMA CGM, Maersk, ONE, Hapag-Lloyd and Evergreen must have assurance that Vizhinjam will remain an open and neutral facility rather than becoming effectively controlled by a single shipping company’s interest. Yet neutrality does not necessarily mean preventing strategic partnerships. Across the world, successful ports often operate through collaborations between terminal operators, shipping companies and logistics firms. The critical question is not whether MSC has a stake in the port, but whether all users receive equal treatment. A professionally managed port should ensure that berth allocation, yard access, tariffs, feeder connectivity, operational scheduling and terminal services are based on transparent commercial principles rather than ownership relationships. If those safeguards are firmly established, MSC’s participation can strengthen Vizhinjam rather than weaken competition. Kerala has much to gain from the port’s success. A thriving Vizhinjam can create thousands of direct and indirect jobs while encouraging the growth of logistics parks, warehousing facilities, ship repair services, bunkering operations, customs-related businesses and marine industries. It can become a foundation for Kerala’s participation in India’s broader maritime ambitions and the emerging blue economy. The challenge is to create a regulatory framework that preserves neutrality while attracting the capital and expertise required to compete globally. Adani has built the physical foundation of a world-class Indian transshipment port. MSC can provide the international cargo network required to make that infrastructure commercially successful. Kerala’s task is to ensure that Vizhinjam remains open, efficient and trusted by all. For Vizhinjam to succeed, Kerala must safeguard neutrality, but not by blocking the very investment that can place it on the world maritime map. (Capt. Naveen Singhal is Marine Consultant and Member of the Singapore Shipping Association and Capt. MM Saggi is former Nautical Advisor, Government of India. Views personal.)

Discussions on among allies for govt formation: Ajit Pawar

Updated: Nov 29, 2024

Ajit Pawar

Mumbai: Deputy Chief Minister and NCP head Ajit Pawar on Monday said discussions were underway among the Mahayuti partners to finalise a formula for the new government formation in the state.


Speaking to reporters at Karad in Satara district, Pawar also acknowledged the contribution of the government's Ladki Bahin scheme, which provides financial assistance to women, in the Mahayuti's victory in the just-concluded state assembly polls.


The NCP leader also assured that the alliance was working cohesively following its resounding victory in the state assembly elections.


Pawar paid tributes to Maharashtra's first chief minister Yashwantrao Chavan at his memorial in Karad on his death anniversary.


In the state poll results declared on Saturday, the Mahayuti, which comprises the BJP, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-led NCP, bagged an impressive 230 of the 288 assembly seats.


The focus has been on BJP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is being seen as a strong contender to occupy the top post for the third time, as his party bagged 132 of the 149 seats it contested in the state.


Notably, Maharashtra minister and Shiv Sena leader Deepak Kesarkar has said his party legislators feel Eknath Shinde should continue as the chief minister of the state, where the ruling Mahayuti scored a landslide victory in the assembly polls.


Ajit Pawar said, "We will decide what formula to work out on the cabinet formation among the three parties."


Reflecting on the elections, he acknowledged the contribution of the Ladki Bahin scheme in the Mahayuti's win.


"We cannot ignore that Ladki Bahin helped us in this election. We are grateful to them (women voters)," he said.


Defending the scheme, Pawar, who is also the state finance minister, further said, "Had I been opposed to the Ladki Bahin scheme, I would not have presented it in the House. I discussed the scheme with several retired finance officers before finalising it."


Pawar also dismissed concerns raised by some opposition leaders over the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), pointing out that polls in states like Punjab, West Bengal and Telangana, governed by their political opponents, have been conducted with the same system.


Commenting on members of same families contesting against each other during the elections, Pawar expressed annoyance over repeated questions on it.


He then asked, "Why was my close nephew fielded? Atram's own daughter was fielded against him, and even Rajendra Shingne faced a similar challenge. I don't want to comment further on this. I have got tired of apologising for fielding my wife against Supriya. Yugendra was in business, then why was he prepared to contest against me?"


In the Baramati assembly seat, Ajit Pawar was pitted against his nephew and NCP (SP) candidate Yugendra Pawar.


In Aheri seat, NCP leader Dharamraobaba Atram's daughter Bhagyashree Atram contested against him on NCP (SP) ticket.

Comments

bottom of page