Geneva-based Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A (MSC), which is also the biggest container liner in the world by capacity, has established its presence at a container terminal on the east coast of India, following the acquisition of Bollore Africa Logistics for €5.7 billion. Bollore Africa Logistics holds 49% stake in Dakshin Bharat Gateway Terminal – one of the two terminals at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port), while India Ports & Logistics Pvt Ltd holds the major (51%) stake in the terminal. About 40% of the cargo volumes handled at the Dakshin Bharat Gateway Terminal are brought by MSC and this terminal feeds majority of the transshipment cargo from India to the Port of Colombo.
Bollore Africa Logistics and India Ports and Logistics Consortium have also placed a bid for a tender issued by V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority for transforming a bulk cargo terminal into a container terminal with a capacity to handle 600,000 teus. If the deal goes through, VOC Port will be able to attract main line vessels to its 680 metres long berth for interchange of containers.
