<p data-path-to-node="2"><b data-path-to-node="2" data-index-in-node="0">THIRUVANANTHAPURAM</b> — The Government of Kerala has officially confirmed receipt of a formal proposal from Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Ltd (AVPPL) seeking prior administrative approval to transfer a 49% equity stake to Geneva-headquartered Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).</p><p data-path-to-node="3">Valued at approximately $1.4 billion (around ₹13,220 crore), the transaction involves MSC’s terminal investment arm, Terminal Investment Limited (TiL), acquiring a substantial minority interest in the concessionaire company. The strategic move follows Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited's (APSEZ) announcement regarding the partnership, which is designed to anchor MSC as a core co-owner and strategic partner in India's premier deep-water transshipment gateway.</p><p data-path-to-node="4">While state authorities evaluate the proposal in accordance with the project's concession agreement guidelines, Union shipping ministry officials noted that while the state government received the formal clearance request, federal reviews remain aligned with broader port-led economic development goals. Maritime analysts highlight that the formal engagement will heavily accelerate Vizhinjam's operational capacity expansion, improve cargo throughput predictability, and integrate the port deeper into major international shipping loops.</p>