'Government not aware of Adani-MSC deal in Vizhinjam', says Chief Minister Satheesan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister VD Satheesan said the government was unaware of MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) planning to make a huge foreign investment in the Vizhinjam International Port. Chief Minister VD Satheesan announced this during the Question Hour in the Assembly. The other day, Adani announced that Terminal Investment Limited (TIL), a subsidiary of MSC, will make an investment of Rs 13,000 crore.

It has been reported that MSC is planning to acquire a 49 per cent stake in the Vizhinjam port. The Chief Minister clarified that the Adani Group has not yet officially informed the government about any foreign investment or sought permission. He said that the government has a stake in the Vizhinjam project and, as per the agreement, the state government should get full ownership of the port in 2080.

“The state government needs to be informed about such large investments and partnerships. Adani Group and MSC Shipping Corporation may have held discussions related to the investment. The news may have been spread on that basis.” The Chief Minister said the government has not received any official notification related to this.

The Chief Minister said that the Vizhinjam port project and the Vision Samudra announced in the last budget will strengthen Kerala's second-generation development dreams. He also informed that the government will give priority to the development of Azhikkal and Beypore ports in Malabar. The second phase of development is currently progressing in Vizhinjam. The current container handling capacity is 16 lakh TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit). This will increase by 3.5 times to 57 lakh TEU when the development work is completed in December 2028.